[ad_1]
Track cyclist Aaron Gate and sailor Joe Allais have been named as flag bearers for the New Zealand team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Chef de Mission Nigel Avery officially announced the couple’s names, Ngā Pou Hapai Tāne and Wāhine, in the presence of the Honourable Dame Cindy Kirrow at a team event in Paris, attended by athletes, team supporters, partners and dignitaries.
Gate won bronze at the London 2012 Olympics. He will become a four-time Paris Olympian and one of New Zealand’s most accomplished Commonwealth Games athletes with six medals, including his four golds at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
“It was a very special moment and it definitely took me by surprise,” Gaiter said.
“It doesn’t feel like a long time to be at the London Olympics, it’s been a long journey and I’m really proud to be flying the New Zealand flag and representing New Zealanders.
“Sport has always been a big part of my life and the Olympics is the pinnacle of that and for me it’s all about inspiring New Zealanders to get out there and give it a try for themselves. I’m going to do my best and make everyone proud.”
Aleh is a two-time Olympic medalist, winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics and silver with teammate Polly Bowery at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Aleh has since teamed up with Rio silver medalist Molly Michie, and the two will compete in the 49er FX event at the Paris Olympics.
“I remember when I was 10 years old, I watched Barbara Kendall lead the New Zealand team at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be a flag bearer,” said Allie.
“Since that day, I have witnessed many of the greatest Olympians to fly the New Zealand flag at the Olympics and I am incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to lead this team alongside Aaron at Paris 2024.
“Hopefully I can help inspire the next generation of New Zealand athletes and show them that anything is possible if you’re brave enough to chase your dreams, stick with yourself through the ups and downs, and most importantly, always keep smiling.”
In the presence of Olympic teammates, friends and family, Chef de Mission Nigel Avery and Dame Cindy presented Aleh with Te Māhutonga, Team New Zealand’s first kākahu (cloak).
Gates was unable to join the team as he is training at the Swiss Olympic base in preparation for the Olympics. He will be presented with the kākahu Te Hono Ki Matariki medal by the New Zealand team at the Olympic Village tomorrow.
Team New Zealand chief Nigel Avery said Allie and Gate were chosen as flag bearers because they embody the values and culture of the New Zealand team.
“Aaron and Joe are leaders in sport and in their communities and are truly great New Zealanders,” Avery said.
“They embody the values and spirit of Team New Zealand on the field and in their daily lives.
“They have huge potential and will follow in the footsteps of some of New Zealand’s greatest athletes and lead Team New Zealand at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing them represent New Zealand on the world stage.”
The flag bearer is chosen by the New Zealand Olympic Team Chef de Mission, with selection taking into account a number of factors including past performance, ability to lead and inspire New Zealand athletes, competition readiness and performance standard.
It will be only the third time that a male and female athlete (Te Pou Hapai Wahine, Te Pou Hapai Tane) have jointly carried the New Zealand flag at the opening ceremony of the Games, with changes to Olympic rules allowing for both a male and female flag bearer to be appointed.
In 1924, a New Zealand team of four athletes competed in the Paris Olympics, led by Sir Arthur Porritt. 100 years earlier, Porritt had won bronze in the 100-meter race and became famous in the film Chariots of Fire.
New Zealand will send 195 athletes to compete in 23 sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The first day of competition will begin on July 27 and the competition will run until August 11.
[ad_2]
Source link
