Matt Weston and Charlotte Bankes named Team GB closing flagbearers
Double Olympic champion Matt Weston and snowboard cross gold medallist Charlotte Bankes have been chosen as Team GB’s flagbearers for the Winter Olympics closing ceremony.
Historic achievements
Weston has enjoyed a sensational campaign, becoming the first British man to ever win skeleton gold.
The sliding star backed up that individual triumph with a second title alongside Tabby Stoecker in the mixed team event.
Those two victories have cemented his status as the most successful British male Winter Olympian in history.
Bankes also stood atop the podium on ‘Super Sunday’, bouncing back from a quarter-final exit in her individual event.
The four-time Olympian combined with Huw Nightingale to win the mixed snowboard cross, securing Britain’s first-ever gold medal on snow.
‘Dream come true’
“To be asked to carry the flag is a dream come true and feels like a moment for our entire snowboard cross team,” said Bankes.
“We have made history for our sport, and I will be walking out there carrying it for everyone who has been part of that journey.
“I am so proud to be part of Team GB and I hope the past few weeks encourage the British public and the next generation to see a glimpse of what is possible in winter sport.”
Weston echoed those sentiments, highlighting the collective effort of the squad.
“The team have done everyone at home proud,” Weston added.
“We’ve got some amazing athletes here and they’ve shown the world what we’re made of.
“I’m very proud to be part of such a talented team – one that I hope has inspired lots of people back home.”
Record-breaking haul
The pair will lead the British delegation at the Arena of Verona on Sunday from 19:30 GMT.
Team GB leave Milano-Cortina having amassed their best-ever haul at a Winter Games.
The total of five medals equals the tallies from Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018, though the three gold medals significantly outstrip previous performances.
Bruce Mouat’s men’s curling rink took silver in the final following a defeat by Canada.
Freestyle skier Zoe Atkin added the final medal to the collection with a bronze in Sunday’s women’s half-pipe final.
Beyond the podium places, the team achieved a record 24 top-10 finishes, 15 more than the next best performance in Sochi.