The person who carries the flag is someone who has an outstanding servitude to the Australian Olympic Team and embodies what the Olympic spirit is about. This year weight has grown for the bearer to be female and the reason mainly being touted is due to so few women carrying the flag in the past and the London Olympics being the "Year of the Woman" with every nation having a female competitor for the first time. I for one have no problem with a woman carrying the flag, just as long as that is not the reason they are chosen. If that was the reason it will only detract from the honour. If a woman is chosen then they need to make sure they are the best option in the team for the team, and conversely if a male is chosen then they need to stand out as the best option.
Looking at who is available it is not an easy choice and regardless of who they choose, it would be nice to see the media and the Australian Public, in particular those on social media respect that decision. The top six contenders seem to be Leisel Jones, Natalie Cook, Drew Ginn, Anna Meares, Stuart O'Grady & Lauren Jackson and all are worthy of the honour. Natalie Cook with her recent outbursts has surely ensured she is out of the reckoning with here recent outbursts and even though she has a long serving record at the Olympics her outbursts are not what you consider good sportsmanship and by going as far as demanding it is enough reason to deny her. Drew Ginn would be very worthy of the honour but has stated he doesn't want to carry the flag, but maybe he is more worried about the public backlash if a male carries the flag. Stuart O'Grady has a long career and is worthy but if they want a cyclist surely Ann Meares would be the preferred option and she is a great role model with the adversity she has had to go through to get to where she is today.
That leaves Leisel Jones and Lauren Jackson, two very high profile, long serving and highly respectable athletes who could not be faulted if chosen. Betting today was suspended after Lauren Jackson shortened in the odds dramatically making it look like someone couldn't keep their mouth shut or a very good rumour was started to throw people off the real decision. I hear a lot of negative comments whenever a swimmer is mentioned due to the fact they get more coverage then any other sport when the Olympics are on due to the fascination of the commentators and Australia's long successful history. The last time a swimmer held the flag though was in 1980 when Max Metzker was a dual flag carrier with Denise Robertson-Boyd. So maybe it is time for a swimmer to carry the flag and Leisel Jones would be a well deserved recipient with this being her 4th Olympics. Regardless of who they choose though it will be debated but hopefully it is not debated because of the sex of who they chose.
It was great to see Lauren Jackson giving the opportunity to lead the team at the opening ceremony. As a coach of junior sport she is an ideal role model and one that many can look up to an aspire to follow. Considered the best in her field and entering her 4th Olympics this is a honour that is well deserved.
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