(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 25 - Snowboarder Michela Moioli will be
Italy's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Beijing
Winter Olympics, replacing Alpine skier Sofia Goggia, who is
battling to be fit for the Games after suffering a knee injury
racing at Cortina d'Ampezzo at the weekend.
The 29-year-old has started physiotherapy and will try to defend
her downhill Olympic title despite damaging anterior cruciate
ligaments in her knee and fracturing her fibula.
The Beijing Games open on February 4.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has sent Goggia, who has won
four of the season's five World Cup downhills, a message of
encouragement in her fitness battle, saying he was "cheering for
you".
Italian Olympic Committee President Giovanni Malagò talked to
Goggia before bringing in Moioli, the reigning Olympic champion
in the women's snowboard cross event, for the opening ceremony.
(ANSA).
Olympics: Moioli replaces injured Goggia as flag carrier
Skier in battle to be fit to defend downhill title