Chilean delegation experienced a great excitement when they walked by the runway during the spectacular opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, the delegation said on Friday.
According to information from Beijing, after waiting almost three hours, Chilean athletes entered the Bird Nest stadium around 11:00 hrs local time (1500 GTM), located after DPR Korea, in the 182nd place.
Tennis player Fernando Gonzalez led the Chilean delegation, wearing a blue traditional suit of "huaso", while the rest of the delegation dressed on blue and a red polo shirt.
After the ceremony, Gonzalez did not hide his excitement and said he was satisfied of have been the flag bearer.
"We are all super happy and we all have the same dreams that in Athens. Doesn't matter the heat, the most important was to have born the flag," Gonzalez said.
"I want to thank you all (Chileans) because it was supper nice for me and for that I only can thank you," Gonzalez said.
Tennis player Nicolas Massu said that "each time one is here it is important. We feel proud of being here and to participate in the Olympic Games. For being here we already are winners."
Shot putter Natalia Duco said "this is incredible, a very special moment, people are clapping to each sportsman."
Shot putter Marco Antonio Venri said "I can't describe what I feel and what I'm living at this moment."
(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)