Nathan Crumpton (American Samoa, 36, skeleton; 100m)

Nathan Crumpton has already made an impressive Winter Olympics debut in Beijing. The American Samoa flagbearer appeared shirtless in native costume with his torso gleaming despite the freezing temperatures in the capital during last Friday's opening ceremony at the Bird's Nest.

Crumpton is the sole representative of American Samoa at the Beijing Winter Olympics. The last time the territory sent athletes to the Winter Games was in 1994.

Crumpton has also become the first athlete to compete for American Samoa in both the Summer and the Winter Olympics after going in the 100m at Tokyo 2020.

"It's an honor to be named to the Olympic team and it's an honor to compete in China," he said. "This is going to be two Olympic Games in less than one year."

He originally competed in track and field in college, but then decided to chase his dreams in skeleton, winning American Samoa's first gold medal in a winter sport at the 2019 North American Cup.

He is also a model and photographer, but despite his glittering resume, making it to Beijing 2022 has been a bumpy ride for Crumpton, who has overcome injury setbacks and financial constraints en route to the Games.

"At the end of this crazy 11-year skeleton journey and the conclusion of this part of my athletic life, I have to say thank you to everyone for your help," he said.