Wrestling champion to carry Japan flag

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Tokyo—Multiple world wrestling champion Saori Yoshida has been handed the honour of carrying the Japanese flag at the London 2012 opening ceremony as she targets her third straight Olympic gold medal.

Yoshida, a nine-time world champion who is seeking an Olympic hat-trick in the 55kg division, said she was nervous but happy at the prospect of leading out Japan’s team on July 27. “I feel nervous, but I am happy that I will be able to lead the Japanese delegation,” said Yoshida, 29.—AFP