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October 22, 2004
Because She's A Super-Model, Not A... Um... Flag-Waving Guy...
Today's priceless Reuters story:
10/22 12:52p CDT Supermodel will try to avoid Pele checkered flag fiasco
By ALAN CLENDENNING
Associated Press Writer
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) _ Brazilian supermodel Giselle Bundchen will wave the checkered flag for the winner of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix - but no one wants a repeat performance of the Pele fiasco in 2002.The soccer great was distracted without the checkered flag in hand just as Michael Schumacher went down the last stretch and crossed the finish line.
Pele was photographed staring at the back of Schumacher's car as he slowed down after coming in first. In an embarrassing moment that made international headlines, Pele waved the flag enthusiastically as back-of-the-pack drivers finished.
This year, Bundchen will undergo a special pre-race training session on how to prepare for waving the checkered flag, said Marcio Fonseca, Brazilian Grand Prix spokesman.
Presumably, it will include a stern warning to keep the flag in hand and watch the track as the race comes to a climax.
Bundchen has also been advised to arrive at Interlagos three hours before the race begins. Part of Pele's problem was that he came fashionably late, Brazilian style, with only five laps to go.
“There's no great secret to waving the flag,” Brazilian Grand Prix race director Carlos Montagner told the Diario de S. Paulo newspaper. “It's enough to pay attention to how things are going.”
Posted by Dan at October 22, 2004 02:03 PM
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