Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray will carry Great Britain's flag for the opening ceremony at Rio 2016, the team announced Wednesday .
Murray was nominated by British Tennis for the role, with cyclist Bradley Wiggins reportedly ruling himself out of the opportunity. Boxer Nicola Adams was also put forward, but Murray will be given the honor ahead of his attempt to win a second gold medal in the men's singles.
Amazing news that @Andy_Murray will be @TeamGB 's flag bearer at #Rio2016 ! #BackTheBrits #HistoryMaker pic.twitter.com/4BZg5S4noM
— British Tennis (@BritishTennis) August 3, 2016
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"I am very proud to be selected as the Team GB flag bearer for the opening ceremony on Friday," said Murray, who won his second Wimbledon title in July. "To represent your country at the games is an unbelievable experience, but to lead out Team GB will be an incredible honor, the biggest in sport.
"This is my third Olympic games and it is a very special competition for me. I obviously have great memories of London and I am 100 percent focused on winning here in Rio. The privilege of being the flag bearer is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life and will certainly be one of the highlights of my career. I hope to do the team proud on Friday and wish all of the British athletes the best of luck for the games ahead."
Murray, who is the first tennis player to carry the flag for Britain, follows in the footsteps of cyclist Chris Hoy, rower Steve Redgrave and judoka Kate Howey in leading Team GB into an opening ceremony.