Canoer Tony Estanguet to lead the French team

The slalom canoer will carry the tricolour flag of the French delegation to the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Beijing, announced the President of the National Olympic committee of French sports (CNOSF), Henri Sérandour.

“It’s incredible, I’m touched, I have now 99 days to learn how to carry the flag”, joked the double Olympic gold medallist. Aiming at a third consecutive title after Sydney and Athens, he will lead the delegation tricolor during the ceremony on 8^th August.

He succeeds handballer Jackson Richardson, who had the honour in 2004 at Athens. Estanguet was chosen by CNOSF from a pre-determined list of athletes that had notably included the fencer Laura Flessel and the swimmer Laure Manaudou. The French delegation will comprise between 300 and 310 athletes.