In March 2003, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen was offered special intensive training in flag-waving in advance of the 32nd Brazilian Grand Prix. Why? Organisers wanted her to do a better job than soccer superstar Pele, the previous year's flag waver, who got "distracted" and failed to notice Michael Schumacher crossing the finish line!

[Pele was named "Athlete of the Century" -- in 1980.]