Dad: Katie would carry Irish flag

Peter Taylor yesterday revealed his daughter Katie would have ‘no problem’ carrying the Irish flag at the Olympic opening ceremony on July 27.

The Olympic Council of Ireland have yet to announce who will be entrusted with the task but Mr Taylor insisted it would not impact on their preparations for her first bout at the London Games.

“It would not be a problem, but we’ve not been asked to carry the flag. It’s only speculation. We are going to go to the ceremony anyway because it’s 10 days before Katie boxes and there is plenty of time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime and she is going to enjoy every minute of the occasion.”

Taylor was the notable absentee from the team presentation yesterday and apologised for her absence in a short statement.

“My training commitments are more demanding than ever and every session is crucial at this stage of the operation,” it read.

“Each day between now and my first contest in the Olympic Games has been planned to the last detail. Training for London is going well, while there is still a few weeks for improvements. I am looking forward to the training camp in Italy with the rest of the team to finish off my preparations. I take nothing for granted — my intention is to go to London in the best condition of my career. For me it’s been a lifelong ambition to be representing my country in the Olympic Games so I want to enjoy the privilege and take it all in. I am aware of the expectation that is on me but nobody expects more of me than myself. For me, a medal in London will be another gift from God in a life so full of blessings.”