CANBERRA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Aerial Skiing silver medallist David Morris has been named Australian Flagbearer for the Sochi 2014 Closing Ceremony, the Australian team announced on its website on Sunday.
Morris, Australia's one and only male aerials medallist, was offered the position by Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman on Saturday.
"It's a privilege, I've always dreamed of this. It's awesome," said Morris."To be selected to represent the Team and what we stand for is just amazing."
The 29-year-old dual Olympian is one of the most charismatic members of the Team. Since leaping to an inspired silver medal, Morris has been out supporting his teammates every day sporting an Australian flag on his back.
"Dave is a very popular choice," Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman said. "He came here known as a great Team man amongst the aerial group, but he has quickly made friends with everyone in the team and they are delighted that he will be leading them out on Sunday night".
Morris has been skiing since the age of three and started gymnastics aged four. At the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010, he finished 13th and just missed the final.His performance in Sochi capped a remarkable few years which saw him become the first Australian male to stand on the World Cup aerials podium and soar to a World Ranking of No.2.
On day 10 of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games Morris pulled four jumps together to progress to the podium for the first time in the new "Super Final" aerials format. "Carrying the flag is a fitting reward after such a courageous performance by Dave," Chesterman said.
The Melbourne school-teacher is considering his future in the sport and is believed to be learning towards a return to the classroom.
It will be a back-to-back honour for the aerial contingent after Lydia Lassila carried the flag in the Closing Ceremony at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.
|
