(Beijing) As has been the case since the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, the Canadian Olympic Committee has named two flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games. The COC chose short track speed skater Charles Hamelin and hockey player Marie-Philip Poulin on Wednesday morning.
Posted at 6:17 a.m.
Updated at 6:56 am
This is the first time that two Quebec athletes will carry the Canadian flag. The two Olympic medalists learned the news a week ago from Chef de Mission Catriona Le May Doan.
” It’s crazy ! I have to pinch myself a bit, I think,” Poulin said upon receiving the announcement. Poulin will be competing at his fourth Olympic Games and will be looking to win a fourth medal. The 30-year-old Beauceronne already has two in gold and one in silver.
For his part, Hamelin was also extremely happy to receive this honor: “I will be the most proud person to carry the flag alongside Marie-Philip”. At 37, Hamelin will be at his fifth Games. A record in his discipline. The Sainte-Julie locomotive has won five medals, including three gold, since the start of its illustrious career.
In 2018, figure skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir were chosen by the COC.