Closing Ceremony Olympics: Knight and Bates to Carry Team USA Flag

Hilary Knight and Evan Bates were named Team USA's flag bearers for the closing ceremony olympics, a choice that hands two veteran competitors center stage at the Verona Arena on Feb. 22. The selection is notable now because both athletes are making their fifth Olympic appearance and Knight has confirmed this will be her final Games.

Closing Ceremony Olympics Flagbearers Named

Team USA selected Knight and Bates to lead its delegation in the closing procession at the Verona Arena, a 2, 000-year-old amphitheater. The ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 22 and will air live at 2: 30 p. m. ET on national broadcast and streaming outlets. Both athletes earn the honor for the first time while closing high-profile Olympic careers.

Knight’s final Olympic moment

Knight captained the U. S. women’s hockey team to a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada, scoring the game-tying goal with just over two minutes left in regulation. That goal brought her to 15 career Olympic goals and 33 Olympic points, breaking the American records for both totals. Knight, who confirmed these Games will be her last, was presented with a white Team USA coat when told of the flag-bearer honor during a live appearance on Feb. 20. She is also engaged to a fellow Team USA speed skater.

Bates and Chock’s reaction

Evan Bates, an ice dancer who won a gold medal in the figure skating team event and a silver in ice dance with his wife and partner Madison Chock, was surprised with the announcement by Chock in front of their teammates. Chock presented him with the news, the team erupted in cheers, and the pair embraced and kissed as chants of “USA” followed. Bates said he was humbled by the vote of his fellow athletes — a group of 232 U. S. athletes — and noted the personal connection with Knight after five Olympic cycles together.

• Key takeaways: Knight and Bates chosen as flag bearers; both are five-time Olympians.
• The closing ceremony takes place Feb. 22 at the Verona Arena at 2: 30 p. m. ET.
• Bates was surprised by his wife and partner; Knight received the news during a Feb. 20 live appearance.

The choice to pair a hockey captain who capped her career with a gold medal and an ice dancer honored by his peers underscores a closing-night focus on veteran leadership and peer recognition. With the ceremony imminent, both athletes will close their Olympic chapters in a single public moment at Verona.