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MONTREAL - The Canadian Olympic Committee will introduce Canada's flag-bearer for the Beijing Games on Wednesday in Montreal.

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The Associated Press

MEDAL HOPE: Canadian kayaker Adam van Koeverden jubilates after winning the men's K-1 500m final of the ICF Flatwater Canoe World Cup near Szeged, Hungary on June 7. Van Koeverden is among the leading candidates to be named Canadian flag-bearer for the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

There are several candidates for the honour, including equestrian Ian Millar, kayaker Adam van Koeverden, diver Alexandre Despatie, triathlete Simon Whitfield and trampoline star Karen Cockburn.

The COC will name the flag-bearer at a morning news conference. A second news conference has also been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Toronto.

The opening ceremonies will be held Aug. 8 at the Beijing National Stadium.

In 2004, judoka Nicolas Gill carried the Canadian flag at the opening ceremonies in Athens. Van Koeverden, who won two medals at those Games, was selected as the flag-bearer at the closing ceremonies.

While van Koeverden is considered a favourite to return to the podium in Beijing, some believe he won't get the nod because he received the honour four years ago.

Timing is also an issue for some athletes. Many are training abroad and might not arrive in Beijing until well after the start of the Games. Others have scheduling conflicts, like gymnast Kyle Shewfelt, who wouldn't be available since he competes the next day.

Millar could be an interesting pick since the 61-year-old will be making his ninth appearance at the Olympics.

"Very interested in doing that," Millar said in a recent interview. "That would be a once-in-a-lifetime honour to lead the great team into Olympic Stadium."

Also Wednesday, the COC will officially name the complete Canadian team for the Games. About 330 athletes will be on the list, including nine returning medallists from the 2004 Games in Athens.