Eight-time Olympic champion Dame Lisa Carrington and gold medallist Finn Butcher will carry the New Zealand flag in tonight’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony.
The pair were formally announced as Ngā Pou Hapai (flag bearers) by Chef de Mission Nigel Avery in front of teammates in the Olympic Village this afternoon local time.
Dame Lisa won three gold medals at Paris 2024, taking her total Olympic medals to eight gold and one bronze. She is New Zealand’s most successful ever Olympian and says she can’t wait to lead the team into the Closing Ceremony.
“It’s really special to be a part of the ceremony and represent New Zealand,” said Carrington.
“The New Zealand Team has gone so well this Olympics, I’m super stoked for all our athletes and looking forward to celebrating with everyone tonight.”
Butcher was a breakout star of the Games, winning gold in the exciting new Olympic discipline of kayak cross. The Central Otago paddler says his debut Olympic Games has been amazing.
“To be an Olympic champion and now carry the flag for New Zealand is beyond what I could have ever imagined,” said Butcher.
“I’m so proud to lead our amazing New Zealand Olympic team out into the closing ceremony and celebrate not only the games but the years of work from everyone to get here and perform. I’m so proud to be a Kiwi!”
New Zealand Team Chef de Mission Nigel Avery congratulated the athletes.
“We are extremely proud to have Finn and Dame Lisa leading the New Zealand Team into the Closing Ceremony,” said Nigel.
“These are two athletes who have captivated the nation with their amazing results at these Games. I would like to pay special tribute to Dame Lisa, who now has a total of nine Olympic medals. She is a true Olympic legend and it’s an honour to have her as a member of this team.
“I would also like to mention all the athletes who did not win a medal at these Games, everyone gave it their all and I’d like to thank the entire team for their inspiring performances.”
The flagbearers are chosen by the New Zealand Olympic Team Chef de Mission taking into account a wide range of factors including past performances, ability to lead and inspire New Zealand athletes, competition preparation and performance standards.
The Closing Ceremony will be held at Stade de France and begins at 2100hrs local time.