Ali Brownlee to carry Team England flag at Commonwealth Games
Horsforth triathlete says he couldn't turn down the honour
Last updated 3rd Apr 2018
Horsforth triathlete Ali Brownlee will carry the Team England flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast tomorrow.
Ali's the defending champion in both the individual and mixed relay races at the games.
He won the honour after a vote of team members.
Ali said: "It is a massive honour to carry the flag for England at the Commonwealth Games. I can’t imagine what it will feel like walking into the stadium with the cross of St George, alongside all the other Commonwealth nations. It is certainly going to be up there as one of the moments in my career that I will always remember."
Team England Chef de Mission Sarah Winckless said: "I’d like to offer huge congratulations to Alistair on being selected as our flagbearer. We put the athletes at the heart of making this choice and I know he will lead the team into the stadium with pride.
"Alistair is one of the iconic figures of English sport, his achievements in triathlon are unrivalled. I am sure that this experience will match all that he has achieved in his career and this will 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."