Champion kayaker named Canada's flag-bearer

Adam van Koeverden -- former Olympic kayaking gold medalist and world-record holder in the k-1500 m -- has been named Canada's official flag-bearer for the Beijing Olympics. I remember watching his gold medal win during the 2004 Athens Olympics on a tiny TV on Hornby Island, of all places. Adam van Koeverden, the reigning Olympic and world champion in the 500-metre kayak singles, was chosen Wednesday as Canada's flag-bearer for the Beijing Olympics. The Oakville, Ont., native will lead the 331-member Canadian team — also officially unveiled Wednesday — into Beijing's National Stadium for the opening ceremony on Aug. 8. "I don't like to say that I'm leading," a relaxed van Koeverden told reporters at a media gathering inside a downtown Toronto hotel. "I just get to be the first guy to walk in, and then there's 331 incredible... [read full story]