Ledger carries US flag in own backyard

A majority of nations had a single flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games Winter. Some had two. For none of them, however, was the moment as special as for local star Van Ledger.

“It was exciting leading my country out,” said the 20-year-old member of the US biathlon team, who was born and raised in Lake Placid. “We came in last as the hosts, therefore I did feel a bit of a pressure. It was joyful walking out with a huge crowd, flashlights and cameras.”

Making the moment even more special was the fact Ledger got to share it not only with his American teammates on the ice but also with his friends and family, who were watching the ceremony live at historic Herb Brooks Arena.

“I saw almost the entire family by chance at the opening ceremony leading up to the event. They were thrilled.”

Ledger received a surprise call from Team USA just days before the opening event.

“I did not know anything about it until the day before the ceremony. I was unpacking at home and I received a call from the team, saying I was elected to carry the flag. Honestly, it was a big surprise, because it was not something that was on my mind. Unquestionably a cool call to have.”

The current Montana State University student graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2020. He returned home to compete at these FISU Games.

“It’s funny seeing familiar faces around the city. I’m not sleeping at home, but with the team. Better to emerge myself and go through the Games the right way.”

Each sporting event has its own traditions and one of them at the FISU World University Games, which continued at the opening ceremony, is collecting pins from other nations.

“That was a good part when we were with the other flagbearers in the room leading up to the event. There was a lot of time to get to know the athletes from all around the world and exchange pins.”

As a local athlete, Ledger is also an ambassador of Lake Placid and knows pretty much everything about this historic place.

“Lake Placid is an amazing town. It’s small, but there’s a lot of stuff to do. I live in Montana now, but I still come back every summer and enjoy the nature and outdoors.”

The first biathlon competition will take place at Mount Van Hoevenberg on Saturday with the men’s and women’s individual races.

Written by Miha Trošt, FISU Young Reporter