1:27
\"Thank you to everyone that honored me with this privilege! I will wave our colors proudly,\" Alvarez said on Twitter.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/sue-bird-gty-jef-210721_1626878844977_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
Traditionally, countries have had a lone flag bearer, but this year the International Olympic Committee has asked teams to a woman and a man female as a symbol of gender parity.
The opening ceremony, delayed due to COVID-19, is scheduled for Friday, with the parade of athletes from 205 countries and the traditional lighting of the Olympic flame.
While the Olympic Stadium is expected to be virtually empty except for dignitaries, including first lady Jill Biden, the opening ceremony is scheduled to feature a performance that will highlight Japan's culture and history. The theme of the opening ceremony is \"Moving Forward,\" in reference to the global pandemic.
What better way to start your fifth Olympic Games than as @TeamUSA's Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer!
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 21, 2021
Congratulations 🐐 @S10Bird! Sue joins @dawnstaley as USA Basketball's only flag bearers in Olympic history. pic.twitter.com/IwAYRdyONA
On Tuesday, the chief of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee addressed concerns of rising COVID-19 cases during a news conference and did not rule out the possibility of a last-minute cancellation.
At least 71 people linked to the games, including athletes in the Olympic Village, have tested positive for coronavirus since arriving in Japan, Olympic organizers said on Tuesday.
More than 11,000 athletes from around the world are scheduled to compete in Tokyo.
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