Versus: Canadian flag carrier
Posted by Cuzzy as Sports, Versus, lists, opinions
Every Tuesday Cuzoogle will post a random battle for you to vote on. Hey it is better than working and it only takes a minute.
I know that most of the readers of this blog are in the United States but please take a moment to weigh in on this topic regardless. For all of you Canadians out there, let us know what you think.
Picking someone to carry the flag at the Olympics is never easy. There are so many candidates and so many political reasons it can be near impossible making everyone happy.
This year is no exception heading into Beijing, with several Canadians worthy of the honor.
The Canadian Olympic Committee will make the official announcement on Wednesday so there is very little time to tell them what you think. That is right, Cuzoogle has the committee’s ear. Well not really but it is a slow sports month.
Here is a list of the most likely candidates. Voice you opinion and make your vote count below.
Adam van Koeverden, kayak
Considered the favourite for the flag, van Koeverden is the defending Olympic champion in the K-1 500 and also won bronze in the K-1 1,000 at the 2004 Games in Athens. He won five of six K-1 500 races on the world cup circuit this year. One problem - van Koeverden carried the flag at the closing ceremonies in Athens.
Dr. Susan Nattrass, shooting
She was the first female shooter in Olympic history (1976) and will be going to her 6th Olympic Games. She has won seven world titles, but no Olympic medals. She was also the Canadian flag-bearer at 2007 Pan-American Games.
Alex Despatie, diving
A feel-good story heading into Beijing, Despatie overcame a fractured foot to make the Canadian team. He won silver in Athens and two golds at the 2005 worlds. After fighting injuries in 2006, he won two silvers at the 2007 worlds.
Karen Cockburn, gymnastics
She won bronze in Sydney and silver in Athens. She won gold medals at the 2003 worlds and again at the 2007 Pan-Am Games. She is coming off knee surgery.
Simon Whitfield, triathlon
Won gold in Sydney in 2000, but was 11th in Athens. Still, he is a strong international competitor and was ranked second in the world following the 2007 season. Likie van Koeverden, he’s carried the flag before - at the closing ceremonies in Sydeny.
Ian Millar, equestrian
A sentimental pick for many, Millar will tie an all-time record by making his ninth Olympic appearance. He has never won an Olympic medal, but is a two-time world champion.
Kyle Shewfelt, gymnastics
Shewfelt is another inspiring story. He won gold in the floor exercise in 2004, but broke both legs training in 2007. He will be making his third Olympic appearance. Shewfelt, though, competes the day after the opening ceremonies and has said with regrets that he would prefer not to be nominated for the honour of carrying the flag.
Marie-Helene Premont, cycling
After winning silver in Athens, Premont is peaking at the right time. She is ranked number one in the world, having earned medals in all five world cup races this season. She was, however, a disappointing fourth at the latest world championships.
Or do we say screw the rules and let anyone carry the flag as long as they are Canadian. Our vote would be Elisha.

You can see all of the previous polls here.
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2 Responses
Elisha would have my vote for anything she wants….
I’m a girl….but I’d love to swapo vests with her…;P
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