Ariel skiier Laura Peel and figure skater Brendan Kerry have been revealed as the Australian flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
The pair will become the first dual Australian flag-bearers in Winter Olympic history when they emerge at the National Stadium for the opening ceremony on Friday.
Peel and Kerry are both set to compete in their third Olympic Games.
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Fourteen Australians have already carried the flag, beginning with ice hockey icon Vic Ekberg at the Squaw Valley Olympics of 1960.
Peel says it’s “such an honour” and that she’s “so humbled” to have been named a flag-bearer.
“Honestly, it feels like a dream,” Peel said.
“This honour definitely goes to the top of the list.
“Growing up I dreamed of being an Olympian, and it’s always so special to pull on the green and gold.
“Being a flag-bearer is beyond anything I ever dreamed of.
“This is such an incredible team.
“Australia has such a rich history in aerial skiing. I’m so grateful to the athletes who came before me, like Alisa Camplin, Jacqui Cooper, Lydia Lassila (and) David Morris. They paved the way for us in our sport.”
Kerry was ecstatic when Australian Olympic team chef de mission Geoff Lipshut called him to break the news.
“I was absolutely speechless when Geoff told me I was going to be a flag-bearer. It was the biggest shock and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I am honoured,” Kerry said.
“I honestly thought he was calling me because there was a big problem.
“Being an Olympian is special. For me, being a Winter Olympian is another level in a finite group. To be a flag-bearer, now cast with that select group of Winter (Olympic) athletes before me, is amazing. I look at it as reflecting all the work, all the struggles – I see it as the acknowledgement of my peers and my country.
“I have been so fortunate in my sport, competing against the best in the world overseas. I now get to share that knowledge and experience with the up-and-coming athletes back home. I’d like to think that I am paving the way for a new generation.”