Andy Murray chosen as flag bearer for Team GB
Andy Murray is having a pretty good summer.
Fresh off the back of winning his second career Wimbledon title, the Scot has been named as the flag bearer for Team Great Britain at Friday’s Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Murray, who won a men’s singles gold medal in London 2012, was chosen for the honor by the British Olympic Association from a shortlist of athletes submitted by each sport.
The three-time Grand Slam winner won out over a number of other notable British sporting figures, including the likes of cyclist Bradley Wiggins, boxer Nicola Adams, and rower Katherine Grainger.
The 29-year-old Murray is competing in his third Olympic Games and is the first tennis player to be awarded this distinction for Team GB.
“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 percent focused on winning here in Rio,” said Murray in a statement posted on the Team GB website.
“The privilege of being the flag bearer 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.”
While Britain’s procession for the Opening Ceremony may be heavy on star athletes, it may also be light on numbers. According to BOA Chief Executive Bill Sweeney, as few as 55 members of Britain’s 366-strong team may represent Team GB in the ceremony, with many of the athletes competing the next day not taking part and many others remaining at a holding camp in Belo Horizonte.
“The conviction with which Andy spoke to me about the honor of carrying the flag only underlined why he is such an exceptional individual, and absolutely the right choice,” said Team GB’s Chef de Mission, Mark England.
Four years ago in London, Murray won gold in men’s singles and silver in mixed doubles alongside Laura Robson. At those Games, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy led Team GB’s procession out for the Opening Ceremony.
Murray will look to follow up his success at Wimbledon by defending his gold from London. He will also be competing in men’s doubles alongside his brother Jamie.
At the London Olympics Team GB achieved its greatest Olympic medal haul in more than 100 years. For the Rio Games, the British have set a target of bettering the 48 medals the team won in Beijing, Team GB’s best performance ever in a Olympics on foreign soil.
Better hold that flag up high, Andy.
