When it comes to the subject of who ought to bear Canada's flag for the opening ceremony at the Beijing Games, it seems there are as many different opinions as worthy candidates.

At least that was the case when CBCSports.ca informally polled some of its Olympic athlete bloggers, asking whom they would select to tote the Maple Leaf into Beijing's National Stadium on Aug. 8.

The Canadian Olympic Committee is set to announce Wednesday which athlete will join the list of flag-bearers that includes swimmer Alex Baumann (1984 Los Angeles), synchronized swimmer Carolyn Waldo (1988 Seoul), decathlete Michael Smith (1992 Barcelona), and judoka Nicolas Gill (2004 Athens).

The athlete bloggers' picks included Olympic and world champion kayaker van Koeverden, Olympic medal-winning diver Despatie, and eight-time Olympian equestrian rider Millar, along with some less conventional nominees.

Experience a factor

"I would love to see [race walker] Tim Berrett, competing in his fifth Olympics, carry the flag," said triathlete Colin Jenkins, who's preparing for his first Summer Games. "He doesn't have the name recognition or accolades of many others that would be in the running for flag bearer, but I feel he is the type of athlete who really embodies what the Olympic spirit is all about.

"But I think that Ian Millar would be perfect for the job. Having this be his ninth Olympics is nothing short of extraordinary. Representing Canada internationally for that many years deserves this sort of acknowledgement."

Millar is among the candidates hoping the COC weighs experience heavily in making its pick. Ditto for Nattrass, who's preparing for her ninth Olympic appearance.

Another criterion is the likelihood of an athlete's bringing home some hardware, boding well for past medal winners like van Koeverden, Despatie and Simon Whitfield, an Olympic champion in triathlon in 2000.

Arm strength necessary?

"I believe that Simon Whitfield would be the perfect flag bearer," said two-time Olympian fencer Sherraine Schalm (she also tabbed van Koeverden as a solid selection because he "probably has the arm strength to carry that blasted flag for hours").

"[Whitfield] has awesome perspective and is very down to earth, hilarious, genuine... I think he would be the best candidate by far."

An inspiring backstory can also boost an athlete's candidacy, making gymnast Kyle Shewfelt, who recovered from two broken legs to make the Canadian team for Beijing, a popular choice.

"His personality is very engaging," Orlando said.

In recent years some athletes have shied away from the job, worrying that it may distract them from their competitive duties or even tempt misfortune (the flag bearer's "curse"). Shewfelt, for example, told the Toronto Star in June that he'd decline the opportunity because the gymnastics program begins the day after the opening ceremony in Beijing.

But CBCSports.ca's athlete bloggers agreed they'd be thrilled to be picked, no matter how slim their chances of getting the nod on Wednesday.

"If I was asked to do it I would be honoured and excited," said badminton player Anna Rice, readying for her second straight Summer Olympics. "And since I'm not a favourite to win a medal in Beijing, I wouldn't have to worry about the 'curse of the flag bearer.'"

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