Champion ariel skier Laura Peel has been named flag-bearer for the Winter Olympics’ Beijing 2022 opening ceremony, alongside figure skater Brendan Kerry.
Laura Peel is three-time world champion and is competing in her third Olympic Games. Brendan Kerry is the first figure skater to be given the honour of flag-bearer.
It also marks the first Winter Olympics with Australia selecting two flag-bearers, following on from the dual selection of Cate Campbell and Patty Mills at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Peel said carrying the flag for Australia is a lifelong dream.
“It’s really hard to put into words how it feels to be selected as flag-bearer for this incredible team. It’s such an honour and I’m truly grateful and so humbled to be able to lead the team into Opening Ceremony. Honestly, it feels like a dream,” she 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, David Morris, they paved the way for us in our sport.”
Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Geoff Lipshut said both Peel and Kerry earned their place as flag-bearers and are a great mix of “youth and experience”.
“Brendan is an eight-time Australian men’s figure skating champion and an absolute exemplar for his sport. He becomes a three-time Olympian at these Games and I am absolutely delighted for him,” Lipshut said.
“Laura also is attending her third Olympic Games and arrives here in exceptional form. That really flows from her absolute professionalism and attention to detail as an athlete.
“She has always set a great example in how she goes about her sport – dedicated and determined and constantly seeking to advance her considerable skills. It’s these attributes that make her an outstanding candidate for this important role.”