On July 4th we had a team meeting at one of the hotels. During the course of this meeting, many exceptional athletes were introduced, but for some reason I was left out of this group. While many of the swimmers found it strange (including myself), I did not make a big deal about it. I felt it was typical of my career – flying under the radar.

I had all but forgotten about the occasion when we arrived at our final team luncheon on July 7th. This was when it all came together and made perfect sense why I was omitted on that first day. This was the day in which the banner and flag bearers for Team USA were announced. To be honest, up to this point, it had never dawned on me that I would even have a chance at becoming the flag bearer, but yet I was sitting there nervous and waiting to see if my name was called.

The banner carriers were announced, and then the moment came. All the swimmers knew right away and when they called my name it was amazing. One of the greatest honors for an athlete is to carry his/her country’s flag in an opening ceremony at an international games. While I had never even participated in an opening ceremonies at the Olympic Games, here I was carrying the Stars and Stripes for Team USA at the Maccabiah Games. It was certainly a moment I will never forget.