Simmonds and Stubbs have been appointed as British flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Obinwannem News Simmonds and Stubbs have been appointed as British flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Ellie Simmonds, a swimming legend, and John Stubbs, a Beijing 2008 archery gold medalist, have been named as Britain’s flagbearers for tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Simmonds is one of the most well-known Paralympians in the country, having won five gold medals in the pool in three Games.

She made her Olympic debut in Beijing 2008, where she won two gold medals in the women’s 100-meter freestyle S6 and 400-meter freestyle S6 events.

Simmonds suffers from achondroplasia, a hereditary disease characterized by dwarfism.

She’s also won a silver and two bronze medals.

“I’m hugely honoured to carry the flag for the ParalympicsGB team – on behalf of all the athletes, support staff and for the entire nation back home,” said Simmonds.

“To go the Paralympic Games and be given the opportunity to do that is just amazing.

“This is going to be my fourth Games and my first Opening Ceremony.

“Just to be here in Tokyo is amazing but to carry the flag is the icing on the cake and I can’t wait for the competition to start.”

Stubbs earned gold in the men’s solo compound event at the same Games as Simmonds, and added a silver in the mixed team compound event eight years later at Rio 2016.

“Both Ellie and John exemplify what it means to be a ParalympicsGB athlete,” said Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe.

“Their excellence on the field of play as well as their integrity, leadership and commitment to the team is something very special.

“I am delighted Ellie and John will jointly carry the Union Flag on Tuesday and I have no doubt that by their example they will inspire the whole of the ParalympicsGB team to achieve great things over the coming 12 days of competition.”

Both will compete in their fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

Since fellow swimmer Maggie McEleny in 2000, Simmonds is the first woman to carry the British flag.

At 56 years old, Stubbs is the oldest member of the Tokyo 2020 team.

“It’s an absolute honour to be representing ParalympicsGB as flag bearer alongside Ellie,” Stubbs said.

“I felt incredibly emotional when I was told the news.

“For any elite athlete to go to the Games and be bestowed this honour is a privilege.

“Words can’t describe what it means to me.

“It’s been a torrid year – unfortunately I lost my Dad in January.

“He was my biggest fan, and hopefully if he’s looking down on me, he’s there saying, ‘do it for the Stubbs family John, you’ve earned it and you deserve it’.

“I know my family will be as proud as punch.”

With 65 golds, 39 silvers, and 44 bronzes, Britain came in second place behind China in the Rio 2016 Paralympics medal standings.

The Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020 will take place from tomorrow to September 5.

Samuel Awe reporting, Obinwannem News / August 23, 2021

leave a reply

WP Radio
WP Radio
OFFLINE LIVE