U.S. curling Olympian John Shuster became the first American curler to carry the flag during the Parade of Nations at the 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony that took place Friday morning in Beijing.
Ahead of the ceremony, the five-time Olympian–who led his team to America's first curling gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics–revealed the exciting news to his kids during a video call, and their reaction was priceless.
One of his sons, Luke, was so proud of his dad, he performed a mock ceremony in his classroom announcing the news to his third-grade classmates.
The priceless video can be seen, here.
The moment Olympic curling gold medalist @Shoostie2010 told his kids he was chosen to be one of the flag bearers for @TeamUSA at the Opening Ceremony is one to remember.\n\nHis son then told his class at school and it will warm your heart. \n\n@usacurl @TeamShuster #WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/SuxgQ39LEQ— NBC Olympics (@NBC Olympics) 1643950073
Shuster joined speedskater Brittany Bowe as flagbearers at the opening ceremony which took place in Beijing's National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest."
Bowe walked in place of bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, who remains in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
OPENING CEREMONY: Flag bearers Brittany Bowe, who lives in Salt Lake City, and John Shuster led the United States' delegation into the "Bird's Nest" during Friday's #OpeningCeremony.\n\n#KSLOlympics (: Getty Images)pic.twitter.com/EqT1lF2Yfv— KSL 5 TV (@KSL 5 TV) 1643980896
Stoked to see a fellow native Minnesotan helping to carry the flag for @TeamUSA in the 2022 Winter @Olympics opening ceremony.\n.\nNot too bad, John Shuster, dontcha know.\n.\nBest of luck to all the athletes!\n.\n@NBCSports @NBCOlympicspic.twitter.com/IQ2FRiDDN9— Becky Buller (@Becky Buller) 1643980125
This was the second time the venue was used to kick off the Olympic games after serving as the epicenter of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
this is what it's all about— Peacock (@Peacock) 1643950894
What an unforgettable honor John !pic.twitter.com/DwNmdnxorQ— Mick Wudinich (@Mick Wudinich) 1643988815
Love this family's pride and support and that of his child's class— Sweetietweeter (@Sweetietweeter) 1643977742
THIS is the best of the Olympics! Shear delight of this young man at knowing his dad will carry the US flag.— In the Dye (@In the Dye) 1643979930
Beautiful moment— Outlander only (@Outlander only) 1643953102
That is so AWESOME!— Michael Hogg (@Michael Hogg) 1643950495
USA Curling's Twitter page shared a video in which teammate John Landsteiner announced to Shuster he was designated with the honor of carrying the banner for the U.S.
The video preceded the clip of Shuster sharing the news with his kids.
"THAT'S SO COOL." \n\n#usacurling | @teamusa | @TeamShusterpic.twitter.com/HkJr4aTPMx— USA Curling (@USA Curling) 1643810104
Shuster said:
"Being chosen by my Team USA teammates is one of the greatest honors of my sporting career."
The words from @Shoostie2010 about this @TeamUSA honor say it all. \n\n( Bob Weder/USCA)\n\n#TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/yPDZYtwmqt— Team Shuster (@Team Shuster) 1643814480
The coach of Team USA's men's curling team was also ecstatic and congratulated Shuster on Twitter.
"I couldn’t be more happy for him," he wrote, adding, "He embodies what the Olympics stand for! He’s an advocate for growing the sport of Curling. Most importantly he is a family man & an Iron Ranger!"
"We are all proud of you buddy!"