Snowboarder Michela Moioli was Italy's
flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter
Olympics Friday, leading a 118-strong team that is bidding to
beat its best haul ever, the five golds it garnered on home turf
in Turin in 2006, as well as the three golds it won at
PyeongChang 2018.
Moioli replaced Alpine skier Sofia Goggia, who is battling to be
fit for the Games after suffering a knee injury racing at
Cortina d'Ampezzo late last month.
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.
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 Malago' talked to
Goggia before bringing in Moioli, the reigning Olympic champion
in the women's snowboard cross event, for the opening ceremony.
Sports Undersecretary and fencing legend Valentina Vezzali
wished the 118 athletes well and said she was "sure they will
make Italy dream".
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