Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American to compete at the Olympics in a hijab, finished a close second to Michael Phelps in the U.S. flag-bearer vote.
Phelps was elected Wednesday by his teammates to carry the flag at the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
“I’m honored to be chosen, proud to represent the U.S., and humbled by the significance of carrying the flag and all it stands for,” Phelps said.
Each sport nominates one athlete for the honor. Though officials do not release the final vote count, someone familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly said Muhammad barely missed being elected.
The 30-year-old Muslim has been a lightning rod for attention in recent months because of her religion and the traditional headscarf she wears under her fencing mask.
Muhammad will compete in women’s saber next week. She was not available for comment.