Hoy has won four gold medals in cycling, three in Beijing in 2008, one in Athens in 2004, and a silver medal in Sydney in 2000. He previously carried the British flag four years ago at the Closing Ceremonies in Beijing, and carried the Olympic Torch through Manchester last month.
He is the first cyclist to be chosen to carry the British flag for the Opening Ceremonies.
31 athlete representatives, one from each sport Team GB is participating in, voted on a shortlist created by Team GB officials, settling on Hoy as their final choice.
“Sir Chris is a brilliant athlete and a fantastic ambassador for the sport of cycling. Hoy is reaching his potential just at the right time in the sport and deserves this pivotal role at London 2012,” said Brian Cookson, president of British Cycling, to BBC Sport.
It is a great time to be a cyclist, with Hoy’s announcement as flag bearer coming only days after British Bradley Wiggins’ success at the Tour de France.
Image via Getty.
