Olympic Drama: Why Shani Davis Skipped the Opening Ceremony
The 2018 Winter Olympics are officially underway after the opening ceremony Friday. The big story so far for the American team: the controversy over the flag bearer.
World-renowned luger Erin Hamlin was chosen to carry the U.S. flag after a coin toss broke the tie between her and speed skater Shani Davis. The eight U.S. winter sport federations voted 4-4 for Hamlin and Davis. After the coin toss result was announced, Davis took to Twitter saying it was "dishonorable."
Davis did not attend the Opening Ceremony. Matt Foley, sports reporter at OZY, explains that Davis was not originally planning to attend due to training conflicts but said he would make an exception if he was chosen as flag bearer.
American officials expressed disappointment Monday after learning that bobsled, skeleton and luge events will not be held in Italy during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, a move that means athletes from those sports will likely be competing in either Austria or Switzerland during the games.
A memo sent ahead of the new season said that on-ice uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, which include Pride.
