Sinclair named Canada’s flag bearer

Canadian women’s football captain Christine Sinclair was named the flag bearer for the London 2012 closing ceremonies. The flag bearer was named by Canadian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Mark Tewksbury and Assistant Chef de Mission Sylvie Bernier at Team Canada’s closing press conference on Sunday 12 August 2012. The closing ceremonies took place later that evening at Olympic Park in London, ENG.

“This is a huge honour and I wish I could have my teammates right here with me,” said Christine Sinclair. “We want the next generation of young girls to dream of being in the Olympics and getting a medal around their necks. If we can instil in them just the belief that this can happen, then we have done our jobs.”

Sinclair recently helped Canada win a bronze medal at the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. She set a tournament record with six goals in six matches, including a memorable hat trick in the semi-final match at Old Trafford in Manchester, ENG. 

“She is a special woman,” said Canadian head coach John Herdman. “I think Canada has been privileged to watch her play for these many years. I think the bronze medal win and particularly the hat trick against USA, that is legendary stuff. That was just unbelievable.”

On 9 August, Sinclair and 17 teammates took part in the medal presentation on the grounds at Wembley Stadium in London, ENG. It marked Canada’s first top-three finish at a major international “A” tournament (FIFA Women’s World Cup and Women’s Olympic Football Tournament). 

Said long-time teammate Erin McLeod, “I can’t think of a better person: Christine Sinclair totally epitomizes what you want in a flag bearer “