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Freeman gets Samaranch's flag blessing

SI At The Olympics • Grant Wahl: Women's Soccer -- One-on-One with April Heinrichs • Brian Cazeneuve: Pinning away • Tim Layden: U.S. track coach faces tough call • Leigh Montville: A movable feast More Features • Viewers' Guide: What to watch for • Quiz: Today's Tester • Closer Look: Michael Lewis -- U.S. soccer team uses its heads Multimedia • Photo Gallery: Athletes arrive • Photo Gallery: Let the games begin • Multimedia Central: Photo Galleries, Audio and More

SYDNEY, Sept 6 (AFP) - International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan-Antonio Samaranch said Wednesday he would be pleased to see Australian Cathy Freeman run with the Aborigine flag if she won the 400 metres in two weeks.

He said he did not like to see athletes using the Games to make a political statement but felt this was not Freeman's case.

The double world 400 metres champion was reprimanded in 1994 when she ran with the Aborigine flag after winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada.

"We will not step any athlete from running with a flag," he said.

"I'd be pleased for her."

Samaranch was due to met indigenous leaders later Wednesday when he hoped to talk them out of any violent protests during the Games.

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