Pollard And Parker Named Australia’s Closing Ceremony Flag Bearers

Australian Paralympic Team captain Sean Pollard says he will reflect on his team’s outstanding campaign on and off the snow when he carries the Australian flag at the Closing Ceremony of the Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games.

Para snowboarder Pollard and dual Summer-Winter Paralympian Lauren Parker were named flag bearers for the Ceremony, which will take place in Cortina on Monday morning AEDT.

“I think we can hold our heads high,” Pollard said.

“The team’s put forward their best performances, we’ve tried our best, we’ve represented Australia well on and off the field. Everyone loves the Australians here, so I think we can hold our heads high in pride.”

Pollard, who returned to Paralympic competition after competing at PyeongChang 2018, said Chef de Mission Ben Troy broke the news to him in a quiet one-on-one meeting.

“He said I had led the team well and he wanted to see me close the Games out. [Being team captain] didn’t put pressure on me, but it made me really want to put my best foot forward and lead from the front, and I feel like I’ve done that.”

Pollard paid respect to his flag bearer partner, Parker, whom he described as “amazing”.

“To make the crossover like she has – and she’s done quite well in her events, as well – she’s obviously an incredible athlete and it’s an honour to share it with her,” he said.

Speaking after her final event of the Games, the 20km cross-country sitting, in which she finished 10th – her fourth top 10 finish in six events at her first Winter Paralympics – Parker said being named flag bearer was “good recognition for cross-country skiing and biathlon.

“I hope that by me participating in these Winter Games it brings awareness to these sports and more people get involved,” she said.

“My arms are pretty tried, but I have one more event to go and that’s being flag bearer, and I’ll always have some strength in my arms for that.”

Parker won two gold medals and a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Summer Games, in triathlon and cycling, and was named one of the Closing Ceremony flag bearers there.

“I remember the feeling when I was asked at Paris … and it’s such a proud moment when you get asked to represent your country and walk out into the stadium at the Closing Ceremony,” she said.

Troy, the Chef de Mission, said both athletes thoroughly deserved the honour.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of Sean and Lauren,” he said.

“Both of them have led through their actions, setting a standard that all our athletes and team members have followed.

“This Australian team has conducted itself professionally and respectfully, as well as with a bit of Aussie humour that we all appreciate.

“I hope everyone who has contributed to Australia’s campaign, here and at home, enjoys seeing Sean and Lauren carry the flag at the Closing Ceremony and feels great pride in what our team has achieved here at the Paralympic Games.”

David Sygall, Paralympics Australia