One of the biggest honors an athlete can have is qualifying for the Olympic Games. An even bigger honor, however, is that athlete being a flag bearer for their country at the Olympic’s opening ceremony. On Friday, a University alumnus was able to do just that. 

Kirani James, a 23-year-old University of Alabama graduate from Grenada, carried his home country’s flag at the opening ceremony. During his time at UA, James was repeatedly one of the fastest sprinters in the country. His 400 meter indoor and outdoor records still stand as the best times in those categories by a University sprinter. In the 2012 Olympics, James placed first in the 400m dash with a time of 43.94, slightly slower than his personal best of 43.74, according to the International Association of Athletic Federations. In doing so, he became Grenada’s first Olympic medalist and first Olympic champion.

James has found success throughout his career, whether it was winning gold as an 18-year-old in the 2011 IAAF World Championships, or becoming a two time All-American in Track and Field at the University. This year, James will compete in the 400m dash where he will undoubtedly look to win another gold medal. 

The 2016 Rio Olympic Games run from August 5 through 21. James will compete in the 400m event on August 12.