News15 May 2008


Olsen will carry Olympic flag for Denmark

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Joachim Olsen of Denmark in the Shot Put (© Getty Images)

When Denmark’s team is to enter the Olympic Stadium on 8 August  one needn’t worry that the person carrying the flag will be exhausted during the Opening Ceremony. For in the hands of Olympic bronze medallist, shot putter Joachim B. Olsen, the flag pole with the national symbol attached might appear as a straw.

The honour was given to Olsen at a press meeting held by the Danish Olympic Committee in Copenhagen on Wednesday (14/5). With this announcement it became a reality that a representative of athletics for the first time since 1928 is to head the Danish delegation. Back then the person awarded that honour was hammer thrower Marius Jørgensen (1893-1988).

To Joachim B. Olsen, Beijing 2008 will be his third consecutive Olympic participation. Before winning his Bronze medal at the memorable final held at the ancient stadium in Olympia, the Games in 2000 saw him making his debut, though he failed to qualify for the final.

After a somewhat disappointing final at the IAAF World Championships in Osaka last season, Olsen withdrew from all competition – including the indoor season – in order to concentrate on the Olympics. Now those nine months off-competition soon could come to an end, as Olsen – according to his coach – is planning to step back into the ring at the "Hallesche Werfertage" in Halle (GER) on 24 May.

Jeppe Weinreich for the IAAF


 

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