Sharapova named Russia’s flag-bearer

Since the Russians first took part in the 1952 Games in Helsinki, this honour was traditionally given to male athletes

MOSCOW: Maria Sharapova will be Russia’s first female Olympic flag-bearer at the London Games later this month, confirmed the national Olympic committee. “Sharapova will carry our flag,” said president of the Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov.  “She was the most worthy candidate among all our athletes.” Russia broke with tradition by naming Sharapova for the rare honour. Since the Russians first took part in the 1952 Games in Helsinki as part of the Soviet Union, this honour was traditionally given to male athletes. The 25-year-old will be making her Olympic debut in London after failing to qualify for the 2004 Games in Athens and missing the 2008 edition in Beijing with a shoulder injury.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2012.