Andy to fly the flag for Team GB
WIMBLEDON champion Andy Murray spoke of his pride last night at being selected to be Team GB’s flag bearer, leading the team of athletes and officials into the Olympic stadium tomorrow.
The 29 year-old Scot, who won gold in the men’s singles in London four years ago, said: ‘I am very proud. To represent your country at the Games is an unbelievable experience, but to lead out Team GB will be an incredible honour, the biggest in sport.’
Considered by many to be Britain’s greatest current sportsman, Murray was selected by the British Olympic Association from candidates nominated by a number of sports.
He will lead in a team expected to be only 55 strong. Although Team GB has 366 athletes in Rio many are either competing within a few days of the three-hour opening ceremony at the 78,000-capacity Maracana stadium or have not yet arrived in the city.
A delighted Murray, who will spend some of his time in Rio living in the controversial Olympic Village, said: ‘This is my third Olympic Games and it is a very special competition for me.
‘I obviously have great memories of London and I am 100 per cent focused on winning here in Rio. The privilege of being the flag bearer is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.’
Murray, who will also play in the doubles with brother Jamie, is due to begin the defence of his Olympic title on Monday. Boxer Nicola Adams, who in London became the first female to win a boxing gold medal, had appeared to be the early favourite to carry the flag.
Nicknamed the Baby-Faced Assassin, the 33-year-old, from Leeds, would have been a popular choice. No black athlete has ever carried the flag for Team GB at an Opening Ceremony and she was described as an ‘outstanding athlete’ by Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England.
But he added: ‘The conviction with which Andy spoke to me about the honour of carrying the flag only underlined why he is absolutely the right choice. When I asked Andy to lead our team out it was received with a humility and grace that is befitting of the values of Team GB. I have no doubt he will inspire our athletes and the nation alike.’