Paris Olympics: Fox, Ockenden named as Australian flag-bearers
Gold medalist Jessica Fox will carry the Australian Flag at the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony alongside five-time Olympian Eddie Ockenden.
Fox, the reigning C1 Gold medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is a raging hot favourite for the Women’s Kayak Single and Women’s Canoe Single. Fox is paying $1.80 and $1.50 respectively, in betting markets with leading sports bookmakers.
At his fifth Olympics, Eddie Ockenden will be alongside Fox on Saturday morning (AEST).
Having claimed silver (2020), and two bronze medals (2008, 2012) throughout his illustrious career, Ockenden will become the first Tasmanian to lead the Australian Olympic athletes into the opening ceremony.
“What is special for me is the Tasmanian community, all the sportskids, and for hockey,” Ockenden said.
“I’m proud to do this for hockey.
“We all dream of winning a gold medal when we’re kids and this team is no different.”
The Kookaburra’s will be looking to add a second gold medal to their name when the men’s hockey gets underway on Saturday, July 27.
Australia’s men’s hockey team, the Kookaburras, are on the third line of betting with Marantelli Bet, rated a $4.75 chance to claim gold.
Fox described being named Australia’s female flag bearer as the greatest moment of her illustrious career.
“It is probably the greatest moment of my career to be able to share this role with Eddie and just visualise ourselves leading ourselves down the Seine in Paris,” Fox said.
Only 25 Australians have carried the summer Olympic flag, with former flag bearer and Paris 2024 Chef de Mission Anna Meares making the choice on Wednesday evening (AEST).