Pearson ’no-brainer’ to carry our flag
SPORTING greats have pleaded for hometown hero Sally Pearson to be named Aussie flag bearer for Wednesday’s opening ceremony.
The honour will be announced tonight and team chef de mission Steve Moneghetti confirmed the Gold Coast hurdles great was a frontline contender.
“You don’t have to be Einstein to think Sally would be a person who exhibited a lot of the characteristics we’d want,’’ Moneghetti said.
“The flag-bearer is the unofficial captain of the team. The position requires qualities far further than carrying a flag on to an arena.”
Swimming legend Kieren Perkins, Aussie flag bearer at the 1998 Games, was a staunch advocate for Pearson.
“She’s been one of our most successful athletes over such a long period ... she’s a Gold Coast girl too, so I figure she’s in for a good shot.”
Three-time Olympic runner Tamsyn Lewis-Manou said the hurdler was a “no-brainer” choice.
Ex-swimming star Giaan Rooney said: “I would love for Sally to be our flag bearer.”
Former pole vaulter Tatiana Grigorieva backed “an incredible Australian”.