One nominated participant, cyclist Bradley Wiggins who won gold and the Tour de France in 2012, declined the option citing a female representative from the cycling world would do a great job on the opening night.
Advertisement
Murray is ranked second in the world men’s singles rankings, and in 2013 became the first Briton to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title since Fred Perry.
“I felt very proud and humbled, and said it would be a big honour to do it”, he said of his reaction to being asked to lead the British delegation into the Maracana Stadium.
“I remember when I was in Beijing, although I didn’t perform well there, it was just nice being surrounded by the best athletes in your country, seeing them coming back with their medals and having done well feels a lot more like a team environment”.
Among the first to congratulate the Grand Slam victor was fellow Scot Sir Chris Hoy, the Team GB flag bearer at London 2012.
Murray was speechless on Tuesday night after being summoned from his bed to be told by BOA chef de mission Mark England he had been selected for the honor.
Andy Murray is set to be named Great Britain flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics. This was very, very different and I’m really looking forward to it.
Tennis star Murray, the defending Olympic champion, will lead out the British team in what he describes as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“It’s absolutely deserved”, said Djokovic.
Murray also won silver in the mixed doubles at London 2012.
“I will be incredibly proud to hear him address the team and I have no doubt he will inspire our athletes and the nation alike”.
The three-time grand slam victor will also play in the doubles alongside his brother Jamie, who was ranked No. 1 in the world for doubles earlier this year. He’s globally recognised not just as a tennis player but an athlete. “Normally, most players raise their game when they are playing for their country”, he added.
Advertisement
Although double Wimbledon champion and Davis Cup hero Murray is widely recognised as a worthy candidate given his extensive list of career achievements, his selection is nevertheless slightly surprising given the timing of his event.
