Flaherty had to convince the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee to allow him to compete for the country . In 2002 , the bobsleigh team that was set to compete for Puerto Rico was withdrawn as one athlete ( Michael Gonzales ) did not meet Puerto Rico Olympic Committee rules about eligibility . After this , the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee withdrew the recognition of the Winter Sports Federation for the territory , effectively ending any hopes for athletes competing at the Winter Olympics . Alpine skier Kristina Krone qualified to represent the territory at both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Sochi respectively . However , both times the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee refused to even acknowledge her qualification and the territory did not compete . In December 2017 , the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee allowed a six-month temporary membership to the Winter Sports Federation , without funding , thus allowing the territory to compete at the 2018 Games . Although Flaherty was born in the United States , he has resided in Puerto Rico Since 2010 , which gave him eligibility to compete for the country . Puerto Rico Olympic Committee ’s eligibility requirement is three years of residency on the island . Flaherty competed for Puerto Rico at the 2018 Winter Olympics in the alpine skiing events , specifically in the giant slalom . Flaherty became the first athlete to compete for Puerto Rico at a Winter Olympics since 1998 , and the first Puerto Rican athlete sent to a Winter Olympic Games since 2002 , when the only athletes senta bobsled teamdid not compete , because one of the team 's members was ruled ineligible . During the opening ceremony on 9 February , he was the flag bearer for Puerto Rico in the Parade of Nations . Flaherty concluded his participation in the giant slalom 73rd ( out of 110 participants ) with a time of 2:56.05 ( the best time was Marcel Hirscher 's 2:18.04 )
opening ceremony
2018 Winter Olympics opening ceremony
Charles Flaherty (alpine skier)