Birmingham 2022 gold medallists Nina Kennedy OAM (Athletics) and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Tim Hodge OAM (Para Swimming) will lead the Australian Team into the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as the nation’s Flag and Baton Bearers respectively.

The honour was announced today by Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY at the Australian Team Reception, bringing together athletes, officials and staff before the Opening Ceremony opens the Games tomorrow.

Kennedy said being named was both a huge honour and a humbling experience.

“I am so proud to follow in the footsteps of so many great Australians who have carried the flag before me. The Commonwealth Games have always meant so much to me; it’s where I won my first medal back in 2018,” Kennedy said.

“This is my third Games, and I’m lucky enough to be defending my title. My final isn’t until later in the week, so I’ll get a bit of a sleep-in the morning after. I’ve worked with our team to make sure I’m as prepared as I can be, and there’s no version of the Games where I’d miss the chance to carry that flag.

“I’ve had a long road with injuries to get back to this point, so to be trusted with this now, on top of everything else so far this season, means more than I can really put into words.”

Hodge says it’s a privilege that goes without saying.

“I’ve been lucky enough to compete at two Commonwealth Games already, and I’ve watched the Team come into the stadium both times and felt so much pride watching the green and gold walking in,” Hodge said

“To now have that role myself, to have it happen in Glasgow of all places, the same city where I made my international debut, means the Games already feel special.”

“It’s the first time that I’ll march too, I’m usually competing first day. I can’t wait to feel the excitement.”

Thomas, in her second appointment as Chef de Mission and marking her ninth Games, the most of any Australian, says the pair each possess the qualities the Team looks for when bestowing such honours.

“It was such a pleasure to ask Nina and Tim to take on these roles. They’re both so deserving, and they provide real leadership within their sports and more broadly across the team,” Thomas said.

“Each of them has longevity, character and humility, and the support of the whole Australian sporting community behind them.

“Nina gives just as much off the track as she does on, and we know she is a proven performer.

“She is a member of our Athlete Advisory Group and provided crucial feedback on the design of our team uniform and the AUS HQ Team Lounge at these Games.

“Tim is at his third Commonwealth Games, with two Paralympic gold medals and a world record to his name.

“He made his Australian debut in this very city over a decade ago, and everywhere he goes he brings a calm yet inspiring approach that lifts those around him.

“I know they’ll lead our team out with pride and grace.”

Kennedy becomes just the 24th Australian to carry the flag into a Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, a line that stretches back to rower Henry “Bobby” Pearce, Australia’s first Commonwealth Games flag bearer at Hamilton 1930.

Hodge steps into a new tradition. The Baton Bearer honour was introduced for this Games to mark the King’s Baton’s arrival into the stadium alongside the flag, and he’ll carry it in as swimming makes its sixth appearance on Australia’s Opening Ceremony honour roll.

It’s a fitting pairing; a pole vaulter who rebuilt her way back to the top of the world, and a swimmer returning to the city where his international career began, leading a team that’s a genuine mix of youth and experience.

150 of Australia’s 255 athletes will make their Games debut, 138 women and 117 men, drawn from every state and territory.

In a little over 24 hours, Kennedy and Hodge will lead the team into Glasgow’s Hydro for the Opening Ceremony on 23 July, part of a 10-day Games, staged entirely within the city, the third time any city has hosted the Commonwealth Games twice.

Competition begins the next day, Friday 24 July, ahead of 133 sessions across 10 sports through to the Closing Ceremony on Sunday 2 August.

Catch all the action live and free on Channel 7 and 7Plus.

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