Never have I felt more compelled to write a diary during my time here at Daily Kos (mostly lurking). I have followed Lindsey Van for the last 5 years and watched her fight for women to be included in the ski jumping event of the winter Olympic games. She was denied that right in Vancouver after having several World Cup Championships under her belt. It was such a tragedy and many of us ached for her and the other women that had competed so strongly.
There is a poll on the NBC Olymics website that asks who should represent the US by carrying the flag during the opening ceremonies. She is listed but is losing out to another athlete who has served in Iraq, Chris Fogt. While he is an incredible athlete and has served this country, I just thought Lindsey, who had fought so hard (and incidentally gave donor marrow twice) deserved it more. I'm not taking away anything from the other athletes, I just think Lindsey deserves it a great deal more. Although this vote is meaningless in that the captains of the various disciplines are the ones to vote, it can't hurt to vote for her. You can vote here:Olympic Flag Vote
And for more information. Here is a video detailing their amazing efforts to get women's ski jumping in the winter olympics.
http://readytoflyfilm.com/