THE OLYMPICS: WINTER GAMES AT ALBERTVILLE : NOTES

Cross-country skier Bill Koch, a silver medalist in the 1976 Games, was elected by his teammates to carry the flag and lead the U.S. team at today’s opening ceremony.

Koch said it was an honor he had hoped for, but hadn’t expected.

“It really shocked me,” he said. “I pretty much figured that they’d probably choose a more recent Olympian. I was shocked but very pleased and extremely honored to have my peers choose me. That’s like the ultimate honor.”