Rochette named Canadian flag-bearer
VANCOUVER ó Joannie Rochette will carry the Canadian flag into tonightís closing ceremonies for the Vancouver Olympics.
The 24-year-old figure skater from Ile-Dupas, Que., won a bronze medal less than a week after her mom Therese died of a heart attack.
Earlier it was short-track speedskater Charles Hamelin who was accepting flag-bearer congratulations at a party that drew many of the Canadian medallists.
Asked about carrying the flag, Hamelin said: ìYes, thank you very much.î His choice was confirmed by teammates. Two federal government sources also confirmed Hamelin as flag-bearer prior to the COCís denial.
Prior to the news conference to name the flag-bearer a COC spokesman denied Hamelin had been offered the position.
Hamelin won double gold in the 500 metres and the menís 5,000-metre relay.
The decision was made by chef de mission Nathalie Lambert and her assistants Joe Juneau and Steve Podborski, with the formal announcement set for today.
Long-track speedskater Clara Hughes carried the Canadian flag at the opening ceremonies.
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