Paddy Barnes says carrying the Irish flag at the Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony is as big to him as winning a medal.
It was announced at a media conference on Wednesday to mark 100 days until the Games that the double Olympic bronze medallist would carry the tricolour in Rio.
Extremely proud to be selected as flag bearer for Ireland at #RioOlympics2016
— Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) April 27, 2016
He is the second boxer in succession to be chosen for the honour, following on from London gold medallist Katie Taylor at the 2012 Games.
“I’m over the moon. It’s a great honour to be put on me and I’m just over the moon,” said the Belfast boxer.
“I’m really, really grateful. It’s not very often people carry the flag at the Games. Carrying the flag for me, leading your country at the biggest sporting event in the world, it’s just great.
“It’s just as big as winning a medal.”
Barnes won bronze at Beijing 2008 and London four years ago and he one of Ireland’s best medal prospects for Rio, which takes place in August. The opening ceremony is on 5 August.
I had my own opening ceremony tonight in my room with special guest Michael Conlan #bestopeningceremonyever! pic.twitter.com/ZN8Gbp3i
— Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) July 24, 2012
Barnes has had practice at carrying flags for Ireland at the Olympics - he staged his own mock opening ceremony at London and tweeted the results.
