"Extra special" for Welsh Paralympian to named GB flagbearer
Taekwondo gold medallist Matt Bush says it's an "unbelievable honour"
A Welsh Paralympian has been named as one of two flagbearers for Great Britain, at tonight's closing ceremony.
On his debut at the Games, Matt Bush, from St Clears in Carmarthenshire, won taekwondo gold in the men’s 80kg + class with a dominant 5-0 win in the final.
He was unable to compete in Tokyo, due to an injury less than a month before the event started in 2021.
The 35-year-old said: “It’s an unbelievable honour to represent not only the athletes in my sport but across "all the 19 sports in ParalympicsGB. Everyone has performed so well and it’s been so fantastic to be here, I’m just super happy.
"It’s been such a fantastic experience, coming together as one big team and having the opportunity to spend time together with athletes from other sports. ParalympicsGB is such a close-knit team it is extra special that I can carry the flag on behalf of everyone. It’s an unbelievable way to finish my first experience of a Paralympic Games."
He will be carrying the flag alongside Poppy Maskill, who competes in the S14 Para swimming class for intellectually impaired athletes.
Also on her debut at the Games, the 19-year-old won three gold medals and two silvers, making her ParalympicsGB's most successful multi-medallist this year.
She added: "I’ve won five medals in Paris, the butterfly was my favourite as it was my first Paralympic medal and a world record.
"Next time I really want to win five golds. I’ve had a really amazing time and I can’t wait to carry the flag."
"Exemplifying the team spirit"
ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission, Penny Briscoe OBE said: "Poppy and Matt have not only excelled in their sports at their first ever Games, delivering amazing performances for ParalympicsGB – they have been fantastic team members off the field of play too.
"They have thrived in the Paralympic Village and supported their team mates throughout, exemplifying the team spirit and values that ParalympicsGB as a team is so proud of.
"Competing for the first ever time at a Paralympic Games is a momentous occasion for anyone, and I’m delighted to see Poppy and Matt take it all in their stride. They will now be able to add to their fantastic memories of Paris 2024 with the honour of carrying the Union flag for ParalympicsGB at the Closing Ceremony this evening."