Friday, January 29, 2010

Clara Hughes: Canada's Olympic flag bearer

Clara Hughes will add the honour of flag-bearer to her illustrious resumé when the Canadian team enters BC Place in Vancouver on Feb. 12. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)


Yes, I have many issues with the 2010 Olympics, including - but not limited to - financial decisions made since before Vancouver was even a contender. More on that another time.

Today, I must say a decision to name Clara Hughes Canada's flag bearer is probably one of the very few decisions that I fully support. Clara Hughes IS a role model for many young Canadians, not only for what she strives for, and accomplishes within the sports arena, but for how she conducts the rest of her life:

Clara Hughes, multiple Olympic medallist, champion cyclist and star speedskater, will lead Team Canada into BC Place Stadium carrying her country's flag at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Ingrid Paul, a coach with the Canadian long-track team, made the news public when she tweeted in Dutch, "Clara will carry the flag for Canada into the stadium. Good choice."

The official announcement is set to be made Friday at City Hall in Richmond, B.C.

Many agree it is an honour she deserves.

"[She is] the best choice," said CBC Sports' Scott Russell. "She soars above most of the rest."

While carrying Canada's flag isn't a task embraced by every athlete, most consider the role as one of the most esteemed. And in a year when Canada is hosting the Winter Games, it has become an even more extraordinary position....


Read more here.

Goooooooo Clara!

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