Swimmer Leisel Jones has firmed from $8.00 into $6.00 with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au to be the Australian team flag bearer at the London Olympics, but it’s Natalie Cook who remains the favourite.

Cook, however, is drifting in the market, easing from $1.80 out to $2.00 as a result of punter support for Jones. Jones, who was opened as a $3.75 chance, had got out to as much as $26, before firming into the third line of betting.

Drew Ginn remains second in the market, but like Cook, has drifted, out to $2.50 from $2.10.

Jones and cyclist Anna Meares, who’s now into $9.00 from $10, are the only athletes to firm in betting in the last 24 hours.

“From the moment Natalie Cook said she’ll sit out the opening ceremony unless a female carries the flag, money started to come in for both Leisel Jones and Anna Meares, but not for Cook,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said.

“The punters are definitely warming to Nick Green picking a female for the role.”

Market courtesy of sportsbet.com.au
Who will be the Australian flag bearer at the London 2012 Olympics?
(Prices in brackets from 20 July)
$2.00 Natalie Cook (out from $1.80)
$2.50 Drew Ginn (out from $2.10)
$6.00 Leisel Jones (in from $8.00)
$7.50 Stuart O’Grady (steady)
$9.00 Anna Meares (in from $10)
$13 Andrew Hoy (steady)
$13 Cadel Evans (steady)
$13 Lauren Jackson (steady)
$13 Jamie Dwyer (steady)
$17 Russell Mark (steady)
$21 Michael Diamond (steady)
$31 Lleyton Hewitt (steady)
$41 Sally Pearson (steady)
$51 Steve Hooker (steady)
$51 James Magnussen (steady)
$101 Stephanie Rice (steady)