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Olympic swimmer Chad le Clos and women’s hockey goalkeeper Phumelela Mband will jointly carry the South African flag for the opening ceremony in Tokyo.
Le Clos is South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, winning a gold medal and three silver medals, competing both at the London Games in 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Chad Le Clos posted his reaction on social media: “What an incredible honour, I will remember this forever, just been named flag bearer along with @phumz024 for tomorrow’s opening ceremony. Nothing makes me prouder than to lead team ?? into this @olympics ??❤️ thank you very much and god bless ? #TeamMzansi#BringingBackUbuntu#flagbearer ”
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Last year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed a change of tradition by stating that each country could nominate one female and one male athlete as flag bearers.
“As always, it was incredibly difficult to arrive at the decision as to who to carry the flag in the opening ceremony,”President of Sascoc Barry Hendricks told News 24. “Both Chad and Phumelela are role models and inspirations for their respective sports and we’re proud to have them carrying the flag for our wonderful nation.”
