Joelle King and Tom Walsh will carry the New Zealand flag at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on Friday morning (NZT).
New Zealand chef de mission Nigel Avery announced three-times Commonwealth Games squash champion King and two-time Olympic bronze shot put medallist Walsh as the flag bearers at a team function in Birmingham on Thursday morning (NZT).
“I’m really honoured to be adding my name to an amazing list of Commonwealth Games flag bearers,” King, one of New Zealand’s most decorated Games athletes said.
She’s won six medals, including three gold – two of them on the Gold Coast four years ago – and is expected to add to her tally in Birmingham.
Walsh, the 2018 Gold Coast shot put gold medal winner, is also expected to contribute to the country’s medal tally four years after New Zealand notched 46 in total.
“I’ve reflected on this a bit, and I’m really proud,” the Christchurch-based South Cantabrian said.
“It’s something that not many people get to do. I’m really looking forward to leading the team, waving our flag, and soaking up the whole experience.”
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Joelle King and Tom Walsh will carry the New Zealand flag at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
The athletes were each presented with a pounamu pendant, carved by Ngāi Tahu master carver Bevan Climo, for the opening ceremony at Alexander Stadium.
When Walsh and King lead those of the 233-strong NZ team able to make the opening ceremony on to Alexander Park in front of an expected crowd of 32,000, it will mark the first time male and female athletes have jointly carried the New Zealand flag at the Commonwealth Games.
Swimmer Sophie Pascoe was the sole flag bearer at the Gold Coast Games, before a rule change ahead of the Tokyo Olympics resulted in Sarah Hirini and David Nyika carrying the flag at the Summer Olympics last year, and Finn Bilous and Alice Robinson at the Winter Olympics this year.
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Joelle King and Tom Walsh are both expected to contribute to the nation’s medal tally at the Games.
Taking into account a range of factors, including past performances and the ability to lead and inspire fellow athletes, the flag bearers are chosen by the New Zealand Olympic team chef de mission.
“These two athletes have inspired New Zealanders with their performances for more than a decade, and they epitomise the special values and culture of our team,” Avery said.
“We know they’ll do us proud as they lead our team into the opening ceremony, and we look forward to watching them compete over the next few weeks.”
Recent NZ Commonwealth Games flag bearers: 2018 – Sophie Pascoe (swimming); 2014 – Valerie Adams (athletics); 2010 – Irene van Dyk (netball); 2006 – Hamish Carter (triathlon); 2002 – Sarah Ulmer (cycling); 1998 – Graeme Miller (cycling); 1994 – Brian Fowler (cycling); 1990 – Anthony Mosse (swimming).
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