Australian flag bearers announced for Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Australia has announced its flag-bearers for the Paris Olympics with two athletes completing unique moments of history.

Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden have been announced as Australia’s flag-bearers for the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

The pair will carry the Aussie flag along the River Seine during Saturday morning’s (AEST) ceremony, Chef de Mission Anna Meares has confirmed.

Fox will become the second paddler to carry the flag following the late Dennis Green who carried the flag at Munich 1972.

Eddie Ockenden will become the second hockey Flag Bearer, following in the footsteps of Ric Charlesworth who led the Team at Seoul 1988.

Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden have been announced as the Australian flag Bearers for the Paris Olympics. Pic: Michael Klein

Aussie basketball legend Patty Mills and Cate Campbell carried the flag at the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, while dual gold-medallist sailor Matthew Belcher carried the flag for Australia at the Closing Ceremony in Japan.

Fox is the first Australian canoe slalom athlete to compete at four Games.

“I am proud to follow in the steps of so many great Australians who have carried the flag,” she said.

Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden have been announced as the Australian flag Bearers for the Paris Olympics. Pic: Michael Klein

“The Olympic Games bring us together as sports, as athletes and as a nation. And of course I am immensely proud to represent Australia in the country of my birth.

“I’m so proud to be part of this team. It is one of the greatest moments of my career to be named Flag Bearer and to have the opportunity to present us to Paris & the world by leading us out in the opening ceremony.

“This is my fourth Games, and I am lucky to be competing in three events. My first race is the heats the afternoon after the opening ceremony, so I’ll get a sleep in. I feel this is such an honour and opportunity, that I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Jess Fox. Pics Adam Head.

This little girl has made history. Photo: Supplied.

“I am used to a busy schedule with racing and have worked with our team to make sure I’m as best prepared as I can be for this and have a plan in place to ensure I can be ready the next day and Anna and the AOC have been amazing as well to support that.

“It’s so exciting and of course the fact that we will be on water makes it even more attractive to me. I think using the iconic River Seine in the heart of Paris will make this a spectacular and memorable opening ceremony. It’s original and it’s innovative, and I can’t wait!”

Jess Fox has won four Olympic medals. Photo: Supplied.

Jess Fox’s mother Myriam won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics. Photo: supplied.

Ockenden also carried the Australian flag during the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Birmingham.

“It goes without saying it’s an incredible honour to be asked to carry the Australian flag into the Opening Ceremony,” he said.

“I have been lucky enough to now compete at five Olympic Games. I have watched the Opening Ceremony at my past Games and felt such pride seeing our flag entering the stadium and leading our Teams.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to now have this honour and experience something with such a strong history and deep meaning.

“I feel like I’ll be able to take so much positive energy out of this for the Kookaburras, and I hope the whole the Australian Team connect to this energy as well.

“I’m immensely proud to be representing Australia, Tasmania and my sport hockey.”