Hilary Knight and Evan Bates have been chosen as Team USA’s flag bearers for the Closing Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Both athletes are making their fifth Olympic appearance — and final one, in Knight’s case — and are earning the honor for the first time.
Knight, who got engaged to speed skater Brittany Bowe at the Games, served as captain of the U.S. women’s hockey squad that beat Canada, 2-1, in overtime to win the gold medal. She scored a game-tying goal with just over two minutes remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime. That goal was the 15th of her Olympic career and 33rd point, shattering the American record for both.
Knight learned she’d serve as a flag bearer live on TODAY Feb. 20 while appearing on the show alongside her teammates.
“Hilary, you’ve capped off your Olympic career with gold, but something even more golden is you’ll be leading Team USA out at closing ceremony,” Megan Keller, who scored the game-winning goal in the gold medal game against Canada, told her, as the rest of the team cheered.
“Are you serious?” Knight said after getting the news and being presented with a white Team USA coat.
Ice dancer Bates won a gold medal in the figure skating team event and silver in ice dance. His partner is his wife, Madison Chock, who delivered the flag bearer news to him in front of their team, with TODAY on hand.
“I’m so, so honored to be part of this team. You guys are all so wonderful. And I think I can speak for Evan and myself when I say we are all so proud of everything you guys have accomplished and the people that you are and the people that you’ve become to be here today,” she said.
“So it’s my great honor to share this experience with you and now that we’ve had such a wonderful week, I want to present Evan with something. You have been selected as the closing flag bearer,” she continued to rousing cheers.
Bates and Chock then exchanged a hug and kiss as chants of “USA” went on. He was also presented with a white Team USA coat before the entire team leaned in for a hug and Bates and Chock once again embraced.
The closing ceremony will take place Feb. 22 at The Verona Arena, a 2,000-year-old historic amphitheater. The event will air live at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and also be streamed on Peacock. (TODAY.com and Peacock share a parent company.)
This story first appeared in TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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