Wickenheiser named Canadian flag bearer for 2014 Olympics
Hayley Wickenheiser has been given the incredible honour of carrying the Canadian flag into the 2014 Sochi Opening Ceremony. However, “given” is about as misleading as it gets. The Shaunavon, Saskatchewan native has most definitely earned this honour. Recognized as one of the most dominant female hockey players in the world, very few realize just how much Wickenheiser truly embodies what the Great White North is all about.
One thing that really puts the honour into perspective is the fact that Wickenheiser will be entering her fifth Olympic games as a member of the Canadian Women’s Hockey team, and her sixth Olympic games in general. Perspective enters when you realize this three-time Olympic gold medalist, who also sports a silver medal from Nagano in 1998, has (likely) been an Olympian as long as you’ve been alive.
Named to the Canadian Women’s National Team when she was just 15-years-old, Wickenheiser is no stranger to pressure, or success. Wickenheiser’s first Olympic games were in 1998, followed with gold medals in 2002, 2006, and 2010. In 2000, Wickenheiser participated in the Summer Games in Sydney as a member of Team Canada’s Softball team, a testimonial to her natural athleticism.
Beyond her play on the ice (and on the field), Wickenheiser not only upholds the expectations Canada has on its athletes, but also holds the attitude necessary to fulfill those expectations. Listed on Sports Illustrated Top 20 “Toughest Athletes in the World” in 2008, Wickenheiser knows the struggle and commitment it takes to be an Olympic champion and successful athlete. In addition to strength, Wickenheiser was also on the Globe and Mail’s “Power 50” influencers in sport, and the QMI Agency named her one of their top 10 “Greatest Female Athletes in the History of Sports.”
I don’t think anyone has doubts about number 22’s resume, but there is one very important accomplishment still left to be noted. In 2011, Wickenheiser was awarded one of Canada’s highest honours when she was appointed to the Order of Canada “for her achievements as an athlete and for her contributions to the growth of women’s hockey.”
On Feb. 7, Wickenheiser will join the ranks of great female athletes such as: speed skater Clara Hughes who carried the flag into the Vancouver Games in 2010; Joannie Rochette who closed out the ceremonies that year; and Danielle Goyette, another women’s hockey player – with each having carried the flag into the Winter Olympic Games at some point.
Wickenheiser knows true strength, ultimate success, and above all else, what it means to represent your country on the world’s biggest stage. Upon being awarded the honour of being Team Canada’s flag bearer, Wickenheiser was quick to recognize what it was really all about; “It is about carrying the hopes and dreams of nearly 35 million Canadians to Sochi.”
As an entire country puts it’s hopes and dreams into Team Canada, there is no better person to have shoulder the load. Hayley Wickenheiser, one of the most distinguished athletes in her sport, and most successful Canadian Olympic athletes, is the face of Team Canada for Sochi 2014 – and it looks to be the face of success.