PARNOV MAKES HISTORY

AOC, August 13: Sixteen-year-old pole vaulting prodigy, Liz Parnov, has made history, having been selected as the Australian flag bearer for the first Youth Olympic Games starting in Singapore tomorrow.

"I am honoured to be selected as the Australian flag bearer," Parnov said. "I'm very lucky to be chosen from such a large group of talented athletes."

Parnov possesses an illustrious pole vaulting pedigree, being the daughter of Olympic gold medal coach Alex Parnov, the sister of Australian champion Vicky Parnov and the niece through marriage of Olympic silver medallist Tatiana Grigorieva.

But it is not good blood lines that have earned the West Australian this honour. Parnov is a phenomenal  young athlete who boasts a personal best of 4.40m and was selected earlier this year in the Australian Commonwealth Team to compete in Delhi in October.

Parnov will proudly carry the flag along with 203 other flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony, taking place on  Saturday evening at the Marina Bay Sands Float.

"I think I will be nervous but happy and excited at the same time," she said. "I'm sure it is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

"Leading the team out and holding that flag will push me to perform even better. Being given this honour I really want to make Australia proud," she said.

For all Australians the national flag has its own personal significance and this is no different for Parnov.

"The Australian flag reminds me of big sporting events - when it is raised during a medal ceremony or displayed by athletes on their shoulders as they do victory laps."

"To me the flag represents all Australian's pride in our country. I am sure this is something the team will show during the Games."

After carrying the flag, Parnov will be eager to get onto the athletic track and start competing.

"I can't wait," she said. "I am really looking forward to my competition and gaining more experience in this type of environment. It's going to be great fun."

Parnov competes in the pole vaulting qualifying round on Day 4 of the Youth Games, Tuesday 17 August at Bishan Stadium.

Press Release issued by AOC