Good news! The US has just named Todd Lodwick its flagbearer for the Sochi Opening Ceremonies.
Wait, who?
If you're not an avid Nordic combined skiing fan, chances are you've never heard of the Olympian. But the 37-year-old Lodwick has more than earned these distinguished stars and stripes.
Some things you may not know about the newly minted flagbearer:
- Lodwick is the first American to compete in six (count 'em, six) Olympic games.
- Born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colo., a young Lodwick also dabbled in ski jumping before following in his brother Kris' footsteps and settling on the combined.
Lodwick: Representing Team USA 'is truly a privilege.'
- His first Olympic games were in Lillehammer in 1994, when he was just 17.
- In addition to the Olympics, Lodwick's also got 10 world championships under his belt, making him one of North America's most successful Nordic combined skiers.
- Lodwick emerged from a two-year retirement from the sport to compete at the 2010 Vancouver Games, where he won a silver medal.
- He may be walking injured: Lodwick hurt his left shoulder while attempting a jump in January.
- When he's not skiing, the father of two also sports a 9 handicap in golf and is an avid bow hunter and fisherman.
"Going into my sixth Olympic Games, it feels like I have already won a medal," Lodwick said in a statement. "To cap off my career by representing the United States of America and Team USA is truly a privilege."
