Takahashi carries Japan's flag at Sydney Olympics closing ceremo

Takahashi carries Japan's flag at Sydney Olympics closing ceremo

SYDNEY, Australia - Naoko Takahashi, winner of the Olympic women's marathon, carries Japan's national flag at the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony at Stadium Australia on Oct. 1 on behalf of Japan's 267 athletes. Japan won five gold, eight silver and five bronze medals at the just-ended Sydney Games.

Takahashi smiles ahead of carrying Japan's flag

Takahashi smiles ahead of carrying Japan's flag

SYDNEY, Australia - Naoko Takahashi, winner of the Olympic women's marathon, smiles before she carries Japan's national flag at the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony at Stadium Australia on Oct. 1. Takahashi carried the flag on behalf of Japan's 267 athletes. Takahashi won the women's marathon on Sept. 24 in what the Australian track coach called ''the greatest run ever -- man or woman.''

Takahashi smiles ahead of carrying Japan's flag

Takahashi smiles ahead of carrying Japan's flag

SYDNEY, Australia - Naoko Takahashi, winner of the Olympic women's marathon, smiles before she carries Japan's national flag at the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony at Stadium Australia on Oct. 1. Takahashi carried the flag on behalf of Japan's 267 athletes. Takahashi won the women's marathon on Sept. 24 in what the Australian track coach called ''the greatest run ever -- man or woman.''

Takahashi carries Japan's flag at Sydney Olympics closing ceremo

Takahashi carries Japan's flag at Sydney Olympics closing ceremo

SYDNEY, Australia - Naoko Takahashi, winner of the Olympic women's marathon, carries Japan's national flag at the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony at Stadium Australia on Oct. 1 on behalf of Japan's 267 athletes. Japan won five gold, eight silver and five bronze medals at the just-ended Sydney Games.