Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden have been announced as Australia’s flag bearers for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Chef de Mission Anna Meares bestowed the honor upon Fox, a canoe/kayak athlete, and Ockenden, a hockey player. They will lead Team Australia during the Opening Ceremony, which will take place at 3:30 AM AEST on Saturday.
Fox, who is competing in her fourth Olympic Games and is a strong contender for a gold medal after previously winning silver and bronze in Rio and London, expressed that being named a flag bearer is one of the most significant moments of her life.
“It’s probably the greatest moment of my career,” Fox said at the official ceremony broadcast on Nine.
Ockenden, competing in his fifth Olympics at the age of 37, was surprised by the honor.
“It’s really hard to describe how it feels,” he said. “The only thing I can think of is, I’m just filled with so much gratitude. I can’t believe that I’m here, honestly.”
The Opening Ceremony will feature a “Parade of Nations” that will float down the Seine River in Paris, with the iconic Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
