August 23, 2008 12:53 PM

Elizabeth Jimie To Make A First As Flag Bearer In Olympics

By Tham Choy Lin

BEIJING, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Sarawak diver Elizabeth Jimie will carry the Jalur Gemilang in the Olympics closing ceremony tomorrow to herald Malaysia's next wave of athletes for the 2012 London Games.

The 16-year-old 2006 world junior champion and double Asian Games bronze medallist is the first female athlete given the honour of bearing the national flag at an Olympics.

"Elizabeth represents the element of youth in the Malaysian team and this is also in recognition of the contribution of women to Malaysian sports, to the likes of athletes like Rajamani, Saik Oik Cum and Zaiton Othman," said chef-de-mission Datuk Ho Koh Chye.

"2008 is already over, let's look to 2012, and it is athletes like Elizabeth and Pandelela Rinong, who is only 15, who will carry on in London," he said.

The selection of a Sarawakian athlete is also good for national integration, Ho added.

Elizabeth made her Olympic debut in joint 21st spot with teammate Leong Mun Yee in the 3m springboard.

The future was also the theme when 20-year-old Azizulhasni Awang was picked as the flag-bearer for the opening ceremony.

Thirty-seven athletes and officials from cycling, archery, shooting, diving, swimming and taekwondo are left to represent the country at the closing ceremony.

-- BERNAMA

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