Champion Essendon footballer Michael Long has been nominated by the AFL Players Association to carry the Olmpic flame in the lead up to the Sydney Olympics.
The Olympic torch will make its way around Australia in the 100 days leading up to the opening ceremony and Long will run a one kilometre leg.
Long narrowly pipped former Melbourne star Jim Stynes for the honor of carrying the torch.
He was selected primarily in recognition of his community work and his ground-breaking stand against racism in football.
Long was both shocked and proud when the announcement of his selection was made in front of his teammates prior to training.
Long's was nomitated for the honor by Essendon board member Beverley Knight who sent a 200 word submission into the AFLPA.
The submission follows:
"How does a young aboriginal boy from Darwin, one of nine children from parents both stolen from their parents as toddlers, at 30-years old be regarded as a role model for all Australians?
"Michael Long, life member and co-captain of the Essendon Football Club for 1999 had a vision for himself and his people.
His ability as a champion AFL star is well documented. Also his outstanding stance against racism in sport in 1995, many observers say changed permanently the racial villification rules, regulations and minds of all sports people in Australia.
What is not known, is that this quiet achiever is both a leader on and off the field. His sense of humour, fair play, focus and commitment to his career through extraordinary adversity is almost without peer.
He has dedicated much time to promoting a healthy and financially independent lifestyle for his people in isolated communities of Australia. His health and nutrition documentary is shown all over Australia.
With three young children, road safety was also an issue for Michael. He joined forces with the Transport Safety Group, Transport Workers Union, Victoria Police and Vic Roads to promote pedestrain and transport safety on highways for children all over Australia.
This year Michael lent his own vehicle for three months to assist a volunteer aiding seven Bosnian children undergoing major surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital so they would be able to travel to and from their accommodation.
For Michael 1999 has had three milestones.
Firstly, publishing the tragic story of his parents and their experiences as part of the stolen generation. Secondly he passed his exams to attain his private pilots licence and finally, living the dream of co-captaining the team he has so passionately loved and played for over the past 11 years."
