Team England have named triathlete Alistair Brownlee as their flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
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Leeds born and bred, Brownlee comes into the 2018 Commonwealth Games (see race times below) as defending champion in both the individual and mixed relay races. At Rio in 2016 he become the first person ever to win back to back Olympic triathlon titles, having first won gold at London 2012.
Team England selected their flagbearer after a vote of all sport team leaders. In casting their vote, each team leader was encouraged to consult their athletes on who they would like to nominate.
Team England flagbearer Alistair Brownlee said: “It’s a massive honour to carry the flag for England at the Commonwealth Games. I can’t imagine what it’ll feel like walking into the stadium with the cross of St George, alongside all the other Commonwealth nations. It’s certainly going to be up there as one of the moments in my career that I’ll always remember.”
Team England Chef de Mission Sarah Winckless said: “Alistair is one of the iconic figures of English sport, his achievements in triathlon are unrivalled. I’m sure that this experience will match all that he has achieved in his career and this’ll be a real moments to savour for Alistair and his family.”
Triathlon team leader Ian Pyper said: “Alistair is a fantastic role model for triathletes and sports people all across England. I’m delighted for him and for the whole triathlon team. Not many people get to carry their team’s flag into the stadium and this is just reward for all of Alistair’s hard work.”
The Commonwealth Games triathlon races start on Thursday morning UK time. The women’s individual final starts at 0:31 and the men’s individual final follows at 4:01.