Aussie oarsman to carry flag in Opening Ceremonies

James Tomkins said it was one of the greatest thrills of his life when Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates asked him to carry the Australian flag at tomorrow's (Friday) opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Rower James Tompkins is Australia's official flag bearer at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The honour will be an early birthday present for the six time Olympian, whose 43rd birthday falls on August 19.

Tomkins will now rank alongside other famous Olympians who have carried the flag including Colin Beashel (2004), Andrew Gaze (2000), Andrew Hoy (1996), Jenny Donnet (1992), and Ric Charlesworth (1988).

"There had been a bit of speculation heading into the Games as there always is, as to who is going to carry the flag because it is such a big thing, not only for the athletes but for everyone back home as well,'' Tomkins said as the official announcement was made at the Australian team reception in the presence of the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

To be even considered as the flag bearer is an achievement in itself and I know how hard a decision this must have been for John (Coates) because of the calibre of athletes in the Australian Team.

"It is a great honour, " Tomkins said.

Yet for Coates, the decision was made easy. Tomkins is an affable long serving rower, who is highly respected by the younger members of the Australian team and who is Australia's most successful rower.

He has competed for Australia with tremendous success, winning gold medals at the Barcelona, Atlanta and Athens Olympic Games and a bronze medal from the Sydney Olympic Games.

"James Tomkins is a great ambassador for the sport of rowing and for the Australian Olympic Team," Mr Coates said.

"His record speaks for itself and James has also shown out of the water his keen interest in the Olympic ideals and values.

"James' motivation and passion have nothing to do with any consideration of monetary rewards.

"They have everything to do with his enduring desire to compete at the highest level. He sets a wonderful example, and we, the Australian Olympic movement, are very proud of him.''