Murray, who is defending his Olympic gold medal he won at Wimbledon in 2012 by defeating Roger Federer, was selected from a number of candidates from all different criteria. One nominated participant, cyclist Bradley Wiggins who won gold and the Tour de France in 2012, declined the option citing a female representative from the cycling world would do a great job on the opening night.
Murray, who has just won Wimbledon for the second time in his career as well as becoming a father for the first time this year, was delighted to be the first tennis player selected for this honour.
“I am very proud to be selected as the Team GB Flag bearer for the opening ceremony on Friday. To represent your country at the Games is an unbelievable experience, but to lead out Team GB will be an incredible honour, the biggest in Sport,” said the world no.two in Tennis.
He added “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% focused on winning here in Rio. The privilege of being the Flag bearer is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life and it 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.”
On making the decision Team GB Chef de Mission, Mark England said “The conviction with which Andy spoke to me about the honour of carrying the flag only underlined why he is such an exceptional individual, and absolutely the right choice.”
Team GB’s Flag bearer in London 2012 was cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.
