Flying the Flag

By Michael Weadock, May 2024

Don’t worry – this is not a final despatch about Eurovision.

Last week, we had one of our regular conversations with Team GB where we are able to gather information and intelligence about some of the operational activities set to take place before, during and after the Olympic Games. One of the subjects on the agenda was the announcement of who will carry the flag for Team GB at the Opening Ceremony. First of all – we definitely haven’t been told the identity of the flag bearers and in fact no decision will be made until the entire team has been selected.

But, that doesn’t stop us speculating about who might get the honour. Remember, the International Olympic Committee changed the rules a little while back, so like in Tokyo, where Mohamed Sbihi and Hannah Mills carried the flag, there will be a male and a female representative. The flag bearers are invited to take on the role by Team GB’s Chef de Mission Mark England. I remember speaking to Mark about the qualities required by Team GB and he emphasised to me the importance, not just of sporting achievement, but ideally for individuals to have done something extra in their lives. Team GB are looking for role models who have used their platform for the greater good – beyond the field of play.

For me, there is one stand out candidate. Tom Daley.

Firstly, let’s cover the sporting achievements. Tom is an Olympic Champion. He won gold in Tokyo. He also has three Olympic bronze medals. Paris will be Tom’s fifth Olympic Games. He made his debut in Beijing in 2008 at the age of 14. After a break from the sport, he returned this year and won a gold and a silver medal at the World Championships. Hear how he remembers his success at London 2012, in a special conversation I had with him before Tokyo for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park podcast, that we produce.

Secondly, let’s cover the practicalities. Tom’s been selected already. That’s one hurdle he’s safely negotiated. Also, the Opening Ceremony takes place on Friday 26 th July. It is a long night, and many athletes choose not to attend fearing the impact on their performance. With Paris’ ambitious plans for an athlete’s parade on the River Seine there could be more waiting around and more time on your feet than ever before. Tom is first scheduled to compete three days later, so has plenty of time to recover before the Men’s 10m platform synchro final on Monday 29th July.

Thirdly, and for me the most important thing, is how Tom has conducted himself in his long and distinguished career. Tom has used his platform to promote equality, proudly representing the LGBTQ+ communities and speaking openly and honestly about how certain regimes should not be given the opportunity to host major sporting events whilst they continue to discriminate against some communities.

Tom is a good and decent person. The Tom you see on television or hear on the radio is, in my experience, exactly how he is in person. I’ve seen him be the focus of an aggressive press park and not lose his cool and I’ve seen him be spotted by a school party when on his way into work at the London Aquatics