Yount's selection came courtesy of the US Youth Olympic Team itself, with the 16-year-old voted to the position by her team mates.

"It is a great honour to carry the flag at the Opening Ceremony and to represent my country both in and outside of competition at the Youth Olympic Games," she said.

"I am humbled to have been selected by my peers and excited to represent Team USA."

A member of the US junior national team since 2011, Yount made her international breakthrough last year when she captured the gold medal at the Pan American Championships.

The four-time junior national champion has continued her success this year, winning gold at both the US Open and USA Taekwondo National Team Trials.

As the sole representative of USA Taekwondo in Nanjing, Kendall Yount should receive a lot of support from back home ©USA Taekwondo




After finishing second at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games qualifier, held in Chinese Taipei, the 16-year-old is looking to add another podium finish here, where she will be the sole competitor representing Team USA in taekwondo.

"On behalf of the entire US delegation, I'd like to congratulate Kendall on this tremendous honour," said Charlie Paddock, Chef de Mission for Team USA.

"Kendall's commitment to excellence is evident in her achievements both on and off the field of play, and I am excited to watch her represent Team USA at the Opening Ceremony and in competition."

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