Aaron Gate and Jo Aleh have been revealed as New Zealand's flagbearers for tomorrow's Paris 2024 opening ceremony.
Track cyclist Gate, a bronze medal winner at the London 2012 Games, won four golds at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham four years ago.
But he wasn’t able to attend the team function today.
Track cyclist Aaron Gate and sailing athlete Jo Aleh have been named as flagbearers for the New Zealand Team at the Paris Olympics. (Source: 1News)
Instead he’ll presented with kākahu Te Hono Ki Matariki at the Olympic Village tomorrow when he arrives from his Swiss training base.
The announcement was made at New Zealand House — on Paris' famous Champs-Élysées.
'A dream come true'
Both Aaron Gate and Jo Aleh expressed how special it was to be selected. (Source: Breakfast)
Speaking from Switzerland, Gate said it was a special moment that took him by surprise.
"It still hasn't really sunk in," he said.
"It doesn't feel like that long ago that I was racing at the London Olympics, it's been a bit of a journey and I'll be extremely proud to carry the flag for the New Zealand team and represent what it means to be a Kiwi.
"It's something I watched on TV as a kid, the opening ceremony and everything so to be a part of that now is kind of a dream come true."
He said he was excited to "share some banter" with Aleh and do the job for New Zealand.
"Sport has always been a big part of my life and the Olympics is the pinnacle, for me it’s all about inspiring Kiwis to get out there and have a crack themselves. I'll be going out there to do my absolute best and do everyone proud."
'I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life'
Sailor Aleh took home gold in London in 2012 and silver at the Rio 2016 Games alongside Polly Powrie.
In Paris she is competing with Molly Meech in the 49er FX.
Speaking to 1News following the ceremony, Aleh said the honour of being chosen to represent her country through carrying the flag was "still not quite sinking in".
"I remember being 10 years old, watching Barbara Kendall lead the team in as a flagbearer… she was someone I watched as a child who helped inspire me to take up sailing.
"So to also get the chance to carry the flag in at this Olympics is something so special I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life."
Aleh said it was "really special" to be able to finish of her last Olympic Games carrying this honour.
SHARE ME