Italian superstar Paola Egonu has been selected as one of the athletes to carry the Olympic Flag at the Opening Ceremony of the delayed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on Friday. The president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malago, called Egonu, 22, to convey the good news as he arrived in the Japanese capital ahead of the Games.

"I am very honoured by the assignment that was given to me to be part of the IOC to carry the Olympic Flag," said Egonu after the announcement. "I am very excited since President Malago informed me, because I find myself representing athletes from all over the world and it is a big responsibility. I will represent and parade for every athlete on this planet."