13 August 2010

The fastest under-18 100m sprinter in the world this year, David Bolarinwa, will make history by carrying the Union Flag and leading Team GB into the Opening Ceremony of the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore on Saturday.

The popular Londoner, who states his motto as ‘train hard, win easy’ was selected as Flag Bearer by his fellow Team GB athletes, who took part in a secret vote.

Bolarinwa was presented with the Union Flag by Britain’s most recent Olympic Champion, Vancouver 2010 skeleton gold medallist Amy Williams, and British Olympic Association Chairman Colin Moynihan during a reception for Team GB at the British High Commission in Singapore.

After setting a new 100m personal best of 10.39 seconds a week prior to departing for Singapore, Bolarinwa has arrived at the Youth Olympic Games in fine form and with a confident frame of mind.

Team GB Flag Bearer David Bolawinra said:

“I am very proud and excited to be selected by my teammates to lead out Team GB at the Opening Ceremony. It’s a massive honour for me to carry the flag and I am really looking forward to representing the rest of the team at the Opening of the Games.

“There are so many talented athletes in the team; I wasn’t expecting to be chosen so I’m kind of shocked. It feels really good, like I’ve already won a medal. It’s definitely a great start to the Games.

“It will be a real privilege to join the flag bearers from all the other nations and share the experience of the Opening Ceremony of the first ever Youth Olympic Games.

Moments after the announcement, during a BBC interview, an emotional Bolarinwa called his family back in the UK to break the news: “I’m phoning my mum to tell her that I’ve got this great opportunity,” he said.

Jan Paterson, Team GB Chef de Mission said:
“David Bolarinwa is an excellent choice to carry the Union Flag and I am sure that he will lead his teammates with pride at the Opening Ceremony. It was great to see by his reaction that it meant a great deal to him.

“There is an excellent spirit already building within the Team GB camp and the fact that David was voted by his fellow athletes – a first for Team GB – makes it particularly special recognition.

“David will now enjoy a place in the history books as the first ever Youth Olympic Games Team GB Flag Bearer.”