Olivier flies SA flag at Winter Olympics

Elizabeth Olivier flew the South African flag at the opening ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, on Friday. Photo: Al Tielemans

Elizabeth Olivier flew the South African flag at the opening ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, on Friday. Photo: Al Tielemans

Published Feb 14, 2016

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Lillehammer, Norway – Elizabeth Olivier flew the South African flag at the opening ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, on Friday evening.

The Eastern Cape athlete is the only SA athlete taking part and is coached by former Winter Olympian Alex Heath.

Olivier has participated in various International Ski Federation Championships, National Junior and Senior Championships in which she produced excellent performances and placed in the top six positions.

In her last race before qualification (in Leogang, Austria), she attained a time of 1min 28.85sec, 17 seconds off the first place which was good enough for the South African Sports Confederation and International Olympic Committee’s (Sascoc) selection criteria.

“The ceremony was wonderful. It was very cold and many people attended. It was spectacular, full of energy with a few surprises,” Oliver’s father, Johan said from Norway.

“The best part is that Elizabeth was part of it. Not only waving the flag but taking part by saying something.

“This is great for SA and great for South African sportsmen and women!”

Olivier will take part in the slalom and grand slalom events towards the end of the Games which end on February 21.

– ANA

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