FILE--Clara Hughes, from Winnipeg, Man., takes off her skates after winning the women's 3000-metre event at the Canadian Speed Skating Single Distance Championships in Calgary, Monday, Dec. 28, 2009. It's an honour that some Canadian athletes have decided to refuse at past Olympics. Past flagbearers say the pride of carrying the Maple Leaf must be balanced against how it could affect your performance at the Games.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh