Zagunis selected U.S. Olympic flag bearer

LONDON, July 26 (UPI) -- Two-time fencing gold medalist Mariel Zagunis has been selected to be the U.S. flag bearer for Friday's Olympics opening ceremonies in London.

Zagunis said the voting by the U.S. team took more than two rounds and was between her and an unidentified athlete. She is the third fencer since 1908 to carry the U.S. flag.

"To be that representative for all of Team USA means so much to me and is a huge, huge honor," she said.

Zagunis, 27, was a late addition to the U.S. fencing team in 2004 and took the gold medal in sabre. She was first U.S. fencer to win a gold medal in 100 years. Zagunis repeated as gold medalist in the event in 2008.