KUALA LUMPUR: As a nation that does not see a single flake of snow throughout the year, it was a proud moment for Malaysia to see the Jalur Gemilang paraded during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea today.
Figure skater Julian Yee was given the honour of being Malaysia’s flag bearer at the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium.
Also present at the opening ceremony parade were chef-de-mission Datuk Dr Mumtaz Jafaar, alpine skier Jeffrey Webb and team manager Irene Cheow.
Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics – Opening ceremony – Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium - Pyeongchang, South Korea – February 9, 2018 - Julian Zhi Jie Yee of Malaysia carries the national flag. — REUTERS pic
"This is a great honour for me, especially as we are a country which does not have a winter season," said Julian before the opening ceremony.
The Malaysian contingent, with only two athletes, are one of the smallest among the 92 countries and almost 3,000 athletes competing in Pyeongchang.
There have not been any lofty targets set for Julian and Jeffrey, whose events start on Feb 16 and Feb 18 respectively at the Winter Olympics.
Their participation in Pyeongchang, nonetheless, is certain to inspire a future generation of Malaysian winter sport athletes.
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