As Team GB prepare for the Opening Ceremony of the Győr 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival in Hungary, it was confirmed that British swimmer Archie Goodburn will lead the team out at the 16,000 capacity ETO Stadium as flagbearer for Team GB.
The 16-year-old from Edinburgh has been prolific across various disciplines in recent times, winning U15 silver in the 400m individual medley and bronze in the 100m breaststroke at the 2016 British Championships.
The ambitious youngster has always targeted the Olympics, saying that “if he wasn’t a swimmer, he’d have been a sailor” having been successful as a junior.
Goodburn was announced as flagbearer in front of his fellow teammates by Team GB’s Chef de Mission Paul Ford.
Speaking after his selection Goodburn said: “It was a complete surprise but a really good surprise obviously. I think it’s going to be a great experience and something that I’ll never forget. When we were driving in yesterday we saw them practicing for tonight in the stadium and I just started thinking about it and what an amazing experience it will be to lead out the team and holding the Union flag.”
Team GB Chef de Mission Paul Ford said: “By being selected to represent Team GB in Győr these athletes have already demonstrated their class and it gives me great pleasure, along with the Team Leaders to have selected Archie to be flagbearer. It is a moment that he and his fellow teammates should cherish before turning their attention to competition and the experience of competing in a multi-sport environment for the first time.”