Women’s hockey goalkeeper, Phumelela Mbande, will carry South Africa’s flag at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Sascoc announced on Thursday, 22 July 2021, that Mbande alongside swimming star, Chad le Clos, will be Team SA’s two flag bearers at Friday’s opening ceremony, scheduled at 13:00 SA time.
In 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed a change of tradition by stating that each country could nominate one female and one male athlete as flag bearers.
President of Sascoc Barry Hendricks, offered his congratulations, saying: “In previous Games, there was one flag bearer for a country at the opening ceremony, and one at the closing ceremony.
“In a welcomed change, the IOC adopted a resolution that each National Olympic Committee could nominate one female and one male athlete as flag bearers,” Hendricks added.
“As always, it was incredibly difficult to arrive at the decision as to who to carry the flag in the opening ceremony.
“Both Chad and Phumelela are role models and inspirations for their respective sports and we’re proud to have them carrying the flag for our wonderful nation,” he concluded.
Photo 1 Caption: Women’s hockey goalkeeper, Phumelela Mbande, will carry South Africa’s flag at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: Phumelela Mbande (Instagram)