Tomkins to carry the Australian flag
Thursday, 7 August, 2008
Australian rower James Tomkins poses after being named as his country's flag bearer for the opening ceremony ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympics at the Olympic Village. (AAP)
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Rower James Tomkins has been showered with medals and honours during an extraordinary career that has spanned a quarter of a century.
But marching into the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium carrying his country's flag might well top them all.
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Tomkins, a six-time Olympian, was an unbackable favourite to be given the honour, and it came as no surprise when AOC president John Coates chose him ahead of his 432 team mates.
"James Tomkins is a name synonymous with the Australian Olympic team and as such was the perfect candidate for this honour," Coates said.
Tomkins, who turns 43 later this month, says he was humbled when Coates took him aside and gave him the news.
"It was one of the greatest thrills I've ever had, I have to say," Tomkins said.
He is Australia's most successful Olympic rower, having won three gold medals (Barcelona, Atlanta, Athens) and a bronze medal in Sydney.
He has also collected seven world championships and is the only rower in history to win world titles in all sweep-oared events."
But Coates, a former coxswain, looked beyond mere medals and longevity in making his decision, which is the exclusive domain of the team chef de mission.
"James is a great ambassador for the sport of rowing and for the Australian Olympic team," Coates said at the team reception in the Olympic village, with Prime minister Kevin Rudd and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark among those attending.
"His record speaks for itself and James has also shown out of the water his keen interest in the Olympic ideals and values.
"He's tremendously popular (with) fellow athletes, management and support staff, and is well respected by the athletes of other competing nations.
"James's motivation and passion have nothing to do with any consideration of monetary rewards.
"They have everything to do with his enduring desire to compete at the highest level. He sets a wonderfulexample, and we, the Australian Olympic movement, are very proud of him."
Tomkins, a foundation member of the Oarsome Foursome, said he was greatly honoured.
"To be even considered as the flag bearer is an achievement in itself and I know how hard a decision this must have been for John because of the calibre of athletes in the Australian team.
"I will walk into the stadium with a great team behind me and a nation cheering us all on," he said.
Officials expect 230 Australian athletes to march tomorrow nigh t- just under 70 per cent of those who are in the Olympic village.
Source: AAP