Pentathlete Yane Marques named Brazil’s Olympic flag bearer

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 1 (IANS) Pentathlete Yane Marques will be Brazil's flag bearer at the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday after winning an internet vote.

Marques was chosen ahead of sailor Robert Scheidt and volleyball player Serginho, Rio 2016 organising committee president Carlos Nuzman said on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

"I'm overflowing with happiness. They (Scheidt and Serginho) are two stars who I admire a lot," Marques told TV Globo.

"To carry the flag is a big honour. The Olympics will bring together people from all over the world. I want to convey the message that through sport we can all unite."

The 32-year-old from the northeastern state of Pernambuco is only Brazil's second female Olympic flag bearer. The other was beach volleyball player Sandra Pires at the Sydney 2000 Games.

Marques, a bronze medallist at the London 2012 Games, will be competing in her third Olympics in Rio, which run from August 5 to 21.