Australia names former soldier Curtis McGrath as flag-bearer for Paralympics closing ceremony after para-canoe gold medal

INJURED soldier and para-canoe gold medallist Curtis McGrath will carry our nation’s flag at this morning’s Paralympic Games closing ceremony in Rio.

Curtis McGrath was surprised to be named as the Aussie flagbearer

INJURED soldier and Paralympics debutant Curtis McGrath says he didn’t think he had “done enough” to earn selection as flag bearer at this morning’s Rio 2016 closing ceremony.

The para-canoe gold medallist has been handed the honour of carrying the Australian flag into the Maracana this morning, leading in 176 fellow Aussie athletes for the final celebration of the Rio Games.

“It’s amazing, I’m very surprised,” McGrath said.

Australia’s flag-bearer Curtis McGrath shows off his Rio gold medal after saluting in the men's KL2 final. Picture: Getty Images

“I didn’t expect it at all, I didn’t think that I’d done enough or been around long enough.

“To actually get that role and that honour is pretty amazing. I just want to thank every member of the team that has done everything the best they can and made our team so great.”

McGrath this week made good on his battlefield promise in 2012 that army mates would see him at the Paralympics, following the landmine blast in remote Afghanistan that took both of his legs.

But he didn’t settle for just a Paralympics appearance — the Kiwi-born Queenslander secured gold in his only event, the KL2 200m canoe sprint.

For a nation whose identity is carved in Anzac spirit and a passion for sport, McGrath ticks every box as the man to carry its flag.

He joins some of the greats of the Games including Australia’s most decorated Paralympian, Matt Cowdrey (2004 and 2008), retiring sprinter Evan O’Hanlon (2012), six-time athletics champion Neil Fuller (2000) and nine-time swimming gold medallist Priya Cooper (1992 and 1996) as closing ceremony flag bearers.

It was considered popular wheelchair tennis player Dylan Alcott, who added singles and doubles titles to his previous wheelchair basketball gold, was among the leading contenders for the role along with back-to-back champion Liesl Tesch in sailing’s Paralympics farewell.

Carol Cooke was in the mix for her double success in her road race and time-trial events, as well as 17-year-old swimmer Maddison Elliott, whose three golds was the best return of any member on the team.

McGrath said to be chosen as the one Aussie athlete for the role was humbling.

“Every story that every Paralympian has, not just from our team but every story you hear about how people have been injured or how they acquired their disability or overcame their disability to achieve greatness on the sporting field, is pretty amazing,” he said.

“To be selected out of our team of 177, I’m shocked and quite honoured.

“I didn’t think it was going to be me, I thought there was definitely people more deserving than me. So of course I want to be out there and be part of the celebration and fly that flag high.”

The closing ceremony is scheduled to start today at 9am EST.

Originally published as Australia names former soldier Curtis McGrath as flag-bearer for Paralympics closing ceremony after para-canoe gold medal