Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova will become the first female athlete to carry Russia's banner at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London.

      According to Alexander Zhukov, the head of the Olympic Committee, Sharapova was one of the most obvious candidates for this position. She won The French Open Championship last month, she is again World No. 1 in tennis.

      The 25-year-old Sharapova said she couldn't believe her luck, as it was dream of her life, as well as to bring an Olympic gold medal to Russia. Sharapova is sure that participation in the opening ceremony won’t deprive her of the strength she might need in the battle for the Olympic gold. She says all flag bearers wear special corset on the body to keep the flag in the right position. So her hands won't be overworked. 

      The 2012 Summer Olympics are to be held in British capital, London, between July 27 and August 12. 

Sources: sovsport.ru kp.ru gazeta.ru Image: korrespondent.net