ParalympicsGB announces flag bearer for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony

ParalympicsGB is delighted to announce multiple Paralympic champion and Tokyo 2020 boccia gold medallist David Smith as the flagbearer for the British team at the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on Sunday 5th September.

Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe OBE said, “It’s an absolute pleasure to announce David as ParalympicsGB’s flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Not only has David proved that once again he is a champion on the court, he is the most wonderful ambassador for the sport of boccia, for our entire team and for the Paralympic movement too. He truly represents the spirit of the Games.

“David’s winning performance, coming from behind to retain his individual title, epitomises the strength and resilience of all our ParalympicsGB athletes, particularly over the last 18 months. I am so proud of David and the entire team here in Tokyo.”

Smith defended his boccia BC1 title from Rio 2016 with a thrilling 4-2 win against Malaysia’s Chew Wei Lun in the BC1 competition, coming back from 2-0 down to take gold. The win was Smith’s fifth Paralympic medal and meant he surpassed mentor and former team-mate Nigel Murray’s medal haul to become ParalympicsGB’s greatest boccia player of all time.

The 32-year-old – a popular and familiar face on the boccia court with his dyed mohawk hairstyle – won his first Paralympic title in the BC1/BC2 team event at Beijing 2008. Four years later at London 2012 he claimed individual BC1 silver as well as BC1/BC2 team bronze, before securing his first individual title in Rio.

David Smith said: “It is an unbelievable honour to be leading out the ParalympicsGB team at the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony. Not only am I representing the sport that I love, but the wider ParalympicsGB team too. I am proud to be the face of the athletes that are here, and also those who have already returned home. I have received so much support over these last 12 days, this honour is for every one of them – athletes, support staff and British fans alike.”