Australian basketball player Lauren Jackson has expressed surprise at being named her country’s flagbearer for tonight’s Olympic Games opening ceremony.
The 31-year-old, who has been part of the Australian Opals team that has won silver medals at the last three Olympics, was handed the role by Australia Olympic Committee chef de mission Nick Green.
Jackson will lead a 200-strong team around the Olympic Stadium and is thrilled to be part of the much-hyped opening to the Games.
“I just can’t believe it, not for one minute did I expect this to happen and I am just really pleased it has. I’m delighted to get this role,” she said.
“The support has been overwhelming and the people closest to me are so happy and exciting.
“It is going to be an amazing night, the Village is an amazing place so I am really excited. London is the next best place to Sydney, so I think we will have a lot of fun. There is a great atmosphere, the excitement levels are higher than ever.”
The Opals begin their campaign Saturday against Great Britain.
Although they will not return to the Olympic Village until around 1 a.m. Saturday morning after the opening ceremony, Jackson is unconcerned by the long day.
“We don’t play until 10 p.m. Saturday night so it will be a normal day, we’ll go in the morning for a shoot around and we have a pretty long wait so we will nap and get our focus,” she said.
“A few of the girls weren’t going to walk in the ceremony but we have had a talk about it and most of them have changed their mind, but will probably leave early.”
There was much speculation about who would be awarded the flagbearing role, but Green, who is a double Olympic gold medallist, believes Jackson’s leadership skills made her the natural choice.
“Congratulations to Lauren on this amazing honour,” Green said.
“Our prime minister has sent her a message saying she’s very proud, as has the leader of the opposition.
“There has been a lot of speculation online on who it will be, but Lauren is an amazing choice. She is a natural leader and I can’t wait to see her leadership qualities show over the next two weeks.”