Wisil-ing Toea

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The National, Friday July 27th, 2012

IF PNG flagbearer Toea Wisil is nervous, she certainly is not letting on.
But ask anyone who has carried their national flag at an Olympic Games opening ceremony and they will say it is a tremendous honour. For the six or so minutes of the walk around the Olympic stadium that person becomes the face of their country.Two previous flagbearers Ryan Pini (2008) and Dika Toua (2004) are teammates of Wisil and she said it was pleasing to be part of a select group. 
The shy girl, who hails from Jiwaka and in her first Olympics, typically understated when asked about the honour  bestowed on her by Team PNG earlier this week.
“I’m happy to lead the team. It’s a once in a life time experience for an Olympic athlete and I’m just proud to be here,” Wisil said.She said she was not nervous about carrying the PNG flag and was looking forward to it.“I’m not nervous, just happy and will do my best.”
The 24-year-old was told of her role by Chef de Mission Syd Yates on Tuesday at a team meeting and said she had since contacted her brother Kupun and parents to tell them the good news.
“I’ll call my parents and let thme know myself but I’m sure Kupun has already told them.”
The flagbearing responsibilities have not weighed too heavily on Wisil’s preparations with Team PNG’s announcement coming at the latest possible time.
The 2011 Pacific Games star said she was simply going about her training and promised to do her best.
“It’s been the same at training. I want to do my best and I’m not afraid of the competition.”