Tom Daley and Helen Glover to be GB flag bearers at Olympics opening ceremony

Tom Daley and Helen Glover have been chosen as the flag bearers for Team GB at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Together, they have won three Olympic gold medals. Daley is the reigning champion in the men's 10m synchro diving event.

Glover achieved gold in the coxless pairs in London and Rio, and decided to come back to competitive rowing in 2021 to win more medals in Paris. Daley made history as the first diver chosen to carry the flag during the opening ceremony, while Glover followed in the footsteps of rower Moe Sbihi as the flag bearer in Tokyo.

Daley, 30, shared that his dad Robert passed away from cancer just a year before he won his first of four Olympic medals in 2012. He mentioned that his dad never would have imagined him being chosen as a flag bearer. Daley explained that his father always viewed flag bearers as iconic and legendary figures at the Olympics. He believes his dad would be extremely proud to see him as the flag bearer for Team GB.

Daley expressed that claiming his gold medal with Matty Lee in Tokyo has helped him feel more positive about competing in Paris, and he is eager to fully enjoy the upcoming experience.

"He expressed that this Olympics is all about savoring every moment and taking it all in," he stated. "In past Olympics, I pushed myself too hard because I was determined to win the gold medal. I have already achieved that goal and this time I plan to fully enjoy all the experiences."

The president of the British Olympic Association, Princess Anne, attended a meeting at the British Ambassador's house in Paris where the selection of Daley and Glover was officially announced.

Glover, at 38 years old, will be participating in the women's four in Paris. She expressed that being chosen for this is the most significant honor she has ever received. She added that she has always had a deep admiration for the Olympics and what it represents. She finds it hard to believe that she is now an Olympic athlete and is taking part in an event that she believes will be remembered in history.

Being chosen as the flag bearer for a country is a great privilege. You can put in effort to become an Olympian but being selected for this role by someone else who recognizes your dedication is truly meaningful.