Day off for Australians

Cross country skier Claire Louise Bromley was forced to withdraw from the 30 kilometre freestyle event due to battling a bout of bronchitis and as a result there were no Australians in action.

Ian Chesterman, Chef de Mission of the Australian team, took the opportunity to announce that freestyle moguls Gold medallist Dale Begg Smith will carry the flag at Sunday’s closing ceremony.

He will add his name to the elite list of Australian athletes to win a Gold medal at a Winter Olympics behind Stephen Bradbury (short track skating) and Alisa Camplin (freestyle aerials).

The Candian born Australian skier follows in the footsteps of fellow Gold medallist Steven Bradbury in being awarded the honour of carrying the flag at a Winter Olympics closing ceremony.

“Dale was superb in winning our team’s gold medal of this Olympic campaign, and it is fitting that he carries the Australian flag into the closing ceremony,” Australian team Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman said on the AOC website.

“I know he sees it as an enormous honour and the perfect way to end his brilliant time here in Torino.”

After winning the Gold medal, Begg-Smith said it was the highlight of his sporting career.

“It’s unbelievable, just awesome, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” he said after his win.

“When I was eight I saw the Olympics and decided to start mogul skiing because it looked cool.”

Begg-Smith, who has not been sighted in Turin since winning his Gold medal on day five of competition in freestyle mogul skiing will return from visiting family with his brother and manager, Jason to participate in the closing ceremony.

Australians in action on day 15 of competition are skier Jonathan Brauer in the men’s slalom, Emily Rosemond in 1000 metres speed skating second quarter final and the quartet of Elliott Shriane, Lachlan Hay, Mark McNee and Stephen Lee in the 5000 metres relay B final.

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