Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Who are the Team GB flagbearers at the Opening Ceremony?

Olympic champions Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi have been selected as Team GB’s flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In a break from tradition, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed least year that each National Olympic Committee could nominate one female and one male athlete as flagbearers.

Who is Hannah Mills?

Sailor Hannah Mills, 33, will be defending her women’s 470 title alongside Eilidh McIntyre in Tokyo.

She will become the first female sailor to carry the Union flag.

Speaking at Team GB sailing’s base in Enoshima, Mills said: “To be asked to carry the flag for Team GB at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games is not a sentence I ever thought I’d say. When Mark (England) told me I had been chosen, it was completely overwhelming and when I had a moment to think about what it meant I got pretty emotional.

“It is the greatest honour in my career and I hope more than ever before that this Games can lift our country and deliver some incredible sporting moments to inspire the nation.”

Who is Mohamed Sbihi?

Rower Mohamed Sbihi, 33, is the first Muslim to be a flagbearer for Great Britain.

He is a double medal winner at the Olympics, having won gold in the coxless four at 2016 in Rio, and at London 2012 he was in the British crew that won the bronze medal in the men's eight

Sbihi commented: “It is such an honour to be invited to be the flagbearer for Team GB. It is an iconic moment within the Olympic Movement – people remember those images. I certainly remember the images of Andy from Rio and even before I was a rower I remember seeing Sir Matt and Sir Steve, so it is something I am incredibly proud of.

“It is going to be a surreal experience actually going to an Opening Ceremony but this year with the racing schedule it is actually manageable even if I wasn’t a flagbearer. It will be really special and will complete my Olympic puzzle. I’ve won a medal, been to the Closing Ceremony but now to actually turn up at an Opening Ceremony and be at the head of the team alongside Hannah it will be a lifetime memory that I will never forget.”

Will Team GB be at the Opening Ceremony?

Team GB have revealed that their athletes will stay away from the opening ceremony in Tokyo amid concerns about catching Covid-19.

The Times has reported that Team GB will field as few as 30 athletes from the 376-strong British team to the Olympic Stadium, compared with the usual 200 athletes.