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'Incredible honor' Sprint kayaker carries U.S. flag at CeremoniesLatest: Monday October 09, 2000 04:44 PM
SYDNEY, Australia (CNNSI.com) -- The United States broke tradition an chose an obscure kayak paddler to be the flag bearer during the Olympic Opening Ceremeonies. In a position normally reserved for multiple Olympians or gold medalits, Cliff Meidl was selected to carry the U.S. flag instead of one of the many American sports superstars. There was the usual share of those among the 199 on Friday at the start of the Sydney 2000 Games, such as Cuban boxer Felix Savon or German Kayak specialist Birgit Fischer. Others included Jordanian Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, who will be competing in equestrian, or the traditionally clad Mongolian judoka Bat-Erdene. Korea got a warm welcome from the 110,000 packed into Olympic Stadium, appearing with two flag bearers as the North and South made a visible sign of their attempts at reconciliation by marching together and in one uniform. However, Meidl definitely has the most extraordinary story to tell as he 14 years ago survived a 30,000 volt electrical shock in a construction accident and took up his sport as part of the rehabilitation program. "This is an incredible honor," the 34-year-old Meidl said. "I am so proud and honored to be able to represent the USA and to lead the entire delegation into the stadium." In the 1986 accident, Meidl was operating a jackhammer when he cut through three unmarked high-voltage cables. The charge was three times more than that used for capital punishment in an electric chair and blew him out of the hole. The accident took off several toes, cracked open his skull, and Meidl required more than 10 operations before he recovered fully. "It was pretty tough," the 34-year-old said. Meidl said another reason for taking up kayaking was the example of countryman Greg Barton, who got two kayak golds in 1988 although he was born with two club feet. Meidl was chosen ahead of two-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, who himself made a remarkable recovery from testicular cancer. Meidl proudly walked into the stadium with the stars and stripes, showing almost no sign of a limp from knee problems resulting from direct contact with the wires. Among those who cheered hard were President Bill Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, and Parkinson's disease victim Muhammad Ali, who lit the cauldron at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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