The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) president Pat Hickey yesterday made a popular choice in nominating Sonia O'Sullivan as the flag bearer at the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Why, even the office of the Minister for Tourism and Sport agreed with the presidential choice.
"It is a wonderful honour for each athlete to represent their country by participating at the Olympic games . . . Sonia, has in her career given this country so many spectacular victories and I am personally delighted that the Olympic Council of Ireland has acknowledged this by selecting Sonia for this honour," said a statement from Minister Jim McDaid.
Following on from boxer Francis Barrett in Atlanta 1996 and swimmer Michelle de Bruin in Barcelona in 1992 the early decision on O'Sullivan contrasts with that of the Sydney Games organisers. No one yet knows for certain who will light the Olympic torch although cricketing legend Don Bradman was the top choice in an Australian poll with 52 per cent of the vote. Dawn Fraser, the great Australian swimmer, has also been mentioned.
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