Canada Names Outspoken Putin Critic As Official Flag-Bearer At Sochi Olympics
Reuters has the news:
Hayley
Wickenheiser, Canada's most decorated female ice hockey player and an
outspoken critic of Russia's anti-gay laws, was named on Thursday as her
country's flag-bearer for next month's Sochi Winter Games. A triple
gold medallist and pioneer of her sport who has played professionaly in
men's leagues, Wickenheiser said she was honored to be chosen to
represent her country. "You don't really think about carrying the flag
in the Olympic Games when you are a kid growing up and having a dream to
go to the Olympics," she told reporters on a conference call on
Thursday. "For us in women's hockey, the Olympics is our Stanley Cup.
It's what we play for every four years, it's what we strive for, it is
everything." Once named one of Sports Illustrated's Top 25 Toughest
Athletes in the World, Wickenheiser will be making her sixth Olympic
appearance.
Wickenheiser might become an IOC committee member.
Tipped
as a possible future International Olympic Committee member,
Wickenheiser has never shied away from defending her sport or speaking
out against Russia's anti-gay legislation and right of athletes to
compete at the Olympics no matter what their sexual orientation. "I am a
big believer that the Olympic Games should be about including everyone,
treating everyone with respect," she said. "I am supportive of every
athlete being able to compete regardless of your race, gender or
orientation and I will carry that Canadian flag proudly believing I am
representing all the athletes that feel that way as well."
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