Olympic update: Equestrian athlete to carry German Flag

Ludger Beerbaum to carry the flag for his country

German show jumping rider Ludger Beerbaum will carry the flag for his country at the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Beerbaum will compete in his fifth Olympic Games and will try to add at least one gold medal to his collection of four (Team gold in 1988, 1996 and 2000 and individual gold in 1992 at the Barcelona Olympic Games).

Ludger Beerbaum will compete in Athens with his chestnut stallion Goldfever, with whom he participated to the Sydney 2000 and won the European Championship. The three-time "Rider of the Year" has been selected to bear the German flag by his National Olympic Committee. "He reflects the ideal athlete who sets an example for young people because of his sporting success and professional behaviour" explained Dr Steinback, General Secretary of the German NOC.

Carrying the flag in front of 458 German athletes will be an early birthday present for Beerbaum, who will turn 41 on 26 August, the day before the individual Jumping Final.