Now that the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are just 210 days away, thoughts are turning to whom we may see as the potential flag bearer of host nation Brazil.
In a recent poll released just this week by University Center Research Laboratory Practices UniCarioca, swimmer Cesar Cielo topped the list of athletes Brazilians would most like to see as their flag bearer in the Opening Ceremonies on August 5th. Of the 1,144 Brazilian constituents who participated in the survey, 19% pointed to Cielo as their national representative, while 14% responded with gymnast Arthur Zanetti.
Ironically, although a past Olympic champion, Cielo himself has yet to qualify for this summer’s Games. At the first of two Brazilian swimming qualification meets, the Brazilian Open, Cielo scored a disappointing 11th place result in the men’s 100m freestyle prelims. His time of 49.55 was well off of the FINA “A” cut, which sits at 48.99.
Cielo pulled out of the competition before getting the chance to swim the 50m freestyle event. As such, the 28-year-old will need to be at his best at the second qualification meet, the Maria Lenk Trophy, when it comes to pass in April.
Another swimmer was included in the Brazilian responses regarding the upcoming Olympics. When asked which foreigner they believed would most stand out at the Games, track sprint star Usain Bolt (Jamaica) led the responses with 41%, but American Michael Phelps was also in the mix, collection 8% of responses for the 2nd most behind Bolt.
He would be a great flag bearer for Brazil! I’d love to see him winning again in the 50m vs. Manadou…Cielo is such a friendly person and a great swimmer!
Wonder if he wil need PEDs to be able to carry the heavy flag around the stadium track in the opening ceremony.