Aussie flag bearers for Paris Olympics announced
The Australian flag bearers have been announced for the upcoming opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Chef de mission Anna Meares officially confirmed the flag bearers for the event on the River Seine to massive applause at a function in Paris on Wednesday, announcing Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden as the two champions who will carry the flag.
Meares admitted that she told Fox, an award-winning canoeist, about the special honour two months ago so she could break the news in person.
“Even though I’ve known a little while, it’s really hit me today ... all the emotions came up,” Fox said.
“It is probably the greatest moment of my career ... just visualise us, leading our team down the Seine.”
History-making Kookaburra Eddie Ockenden, who will become the first Australian hockey player to play five Games, will join Fox in carrying the flag.
He also carried the flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham two years ago.
“This really means a lot to me ... if I get emotional, it’s because of gratitude, so thank you,” Ockenden said.
“I feel special, to represent Tasmania. It’s something that I’ve always felt a real connection to and if I could even say to kids in Tassie - dream big and chase your dreams, sport or otherwise.
“It doesn’t feel real yet ... it’s a huge honour. I never thought this was something that could be a possibility.”
The opening ceremony of the Paris Games will be like none other in history with boats taking athletes from each county down the Seine River.
Image credits: Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Shutterstock Editorial