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Andy Murray named Great Britain's flagbearer for Olympic Games opening ceremony

By Andy Charles

Thursday 4 August 2016 09:38, UK

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Andy Murray says he was speechless when he was asked to be Team GB's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games

Andy Murray has been confirmed as Team GB's flagbearer for the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Rio on Friday.

The reigning Wimbledon and Olympic men's singles champion was nominated by the British Olympic Association on Wednesday after being selected ahead of a number of other candidates including boxer Nicola Adams.

Murray was selected for the honour despite potentially having to open the defence of his title less than 24 hours after Friday night's ceremony in the Maracana Stadium.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 02: Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand during a practice session ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Oly
Image: Murray may have to play his first match at Rio 2016 on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the opening ceremony

He becomes the second successive Scotsman to carry Great Britain's flag at the Olympic Games, with the honour having been bestowed on track cycling great Sir Chris Hoy at London 2012.

"I am very proud to be selected as the Team GB Flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony on Friday. 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.

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Sir Chris Hoy leads Great Britain into the stadium during the opening ceremony for London 2012
Image: Sir Chris Hoy leads Great Britain into the stadium during the opening ceremony for London 2012

"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% focused on winning here in Rio. The privilege of being the Flagbearer is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life and will certainly be one of the highlights of my career.

"I hope to do the team proud on Friday and wish all of the British athletes the best of luck for the Games ahead."

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Andy Murray poses with his gold medal at the end of the men's singles of the London 2012 Olympic Games
Image: Murray poses with his gold medal at the end of the men's singles of the London 2012 Olympic Games

Team GB's Chef de Mission Mark England said: "The conviction with which Andy spoke to me about the honour of carrying the flag only underlined why he is such an exceptional individual, and absolutely the right choice.

"There are a great number of outstanding athletes on this team, from Nicola Adams who I made flagbearer in Baku, to Sir Bradley Wiggins, unquestionably one of our greatest ever Olympians.

Tennis player Andy Murray of Great Britain is announced as the flag bearer for Team GB at the British House Reception
Image: Murray was announced as the flag bearer for Team GB at the British House Reception in Rio on Wednesday night

"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. It was an emotional moment for him personally, and for this team.

"I will be incredibly proud to hear him address the team and I have no doubt he will inspire our athletes and the nation alike."

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