Winter Olympics: Yarnold to carry British flag at PyeongChang opening ceremony

Lizzy Yarnold has taken advice from Sir Matthew Pinsent after being selected to carry the British flag at the Winter Olympic opening ceremony, writes James Toney in PyeongChang.

Yarnold, who won skeleton gold in Sochi four years ago, was chosen by a panel of team leaders and has vowed to perfect the ‘single straight arm’ carry favoured by Pinsent, Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Chris Hoy in previous Games.

“I’m going to give it a try, Matt has given me a few pointers,” she said.

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“I’ll have the flag in one hand and tissues in the other as I know it’s going to be an emotional and awesome moment for me and my family.

“My first reaction was complete excitement and I’m really proud to march in front of the whole team. “There are so many talented athletes competing here and hopefully this can be the start of our most successful ever Winter Olympics.

“I found out on Monday and it’s been very difficult to keep it confidential and I just told my husband. He was really happy for you but it’s hard to know how proud people are over the phone.”

Team GB chef de mission Mike Hay claimed Yarnold – the second skeleton slider to carry the flag after Shelley Rudman in 2010 – was the ideal choice from the record 59-strong British delegation.

“She is a defending champion and a model athlete,” said Hay.

“She has achieved so much in skeleton over the last four years and I’m sure this will be another proud moment for one of our finest winter athletes.”

Yarnold is flying under the radar at these Games, having banked just one World Cup podium this season.

But her confidence is slowly returning and, alongside team-mate Laura Daes, she believes they can both do something special.

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“I believe it is realistic we can both be on the podium, it’s about being consistent over four runs but we’ve got every chance,” she added.

“It’s a really technical track, it’s my third visit here and I’m really starting to unpick it now. I’ve not listened to bookmakers and their odds. I think I know more about sport than them.”

Friday’s opening ceremony is expected to be the coldest ever, with temperatures of minus 13 predicted but Yarnold has no worries.

“We’re winter athletes, we know how to wear layers and we’ve got really big coats,” she joked.

• Watch Lizzy Yarnold at 11.20am on Friday 16th February on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport Player. Don’t miss a moment of the Olympic Winter Games on Eurosport and Eurosport Player. Go to www.Eurosport.co.uk