Hughes to carry Closing Ceremony flag

Snowboard Cross silver medallist Jarryd Hughes will have the honour of carrying the flag and leading the 2018 Australian Olympic Team into the PyeongChang Closing Ceremony, as the world closes the Games of the 23rd Olympiad.

The 22-year-old Sydney-sider said being selected by Chef de MissIon, Ian Chesterman to fly the flag on behalf of the Australian Team was a huge honour.

“I am so excited to be chosen to be the Flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony, it’s hard to put into words,” Hughes said.

“It is the cherry on top of what has been the most amazing Olympic campaign and I am so proud to lead out this group of Australian athletes who have all been both an inspiration to me and the entire country throughout the Games.”

The Dual Olympian was one of three Australian medallists at the 2018 Games and has continued to lead the Team spirit and camaraderie post-competition.

“The bond between the Australian Team at these Games has been phenomenal. We have all been supporting one another and doing our best to show the world how proud we are to be Aussie Winter athletes.”

“The Closing Ceremony will be an awesome celebration of the hard work and dedication we’ve all put in over the past four years. To be able to lead my teammates is incredible.”

Hughes claimed his first Olympic medal, a silver at Phoenix Snow Park on Day 6 of the Games, with France’s Pierre Vauliter claiming gold and Regino Hernandez securing bronze for Spain.

“I still can’t quite believe I am an Olympic silver medallist. I’m sure it’s going to take a little while to sink in.”

“It’s a huge inspiration to keep pushing towards my, hopefully, third Olympic Games in Beijing 2022.”

After finishing 17th in his Olympic debut at Sochi 2014, Hughes went on to claim a gold medal at the 2016 X-Games and now has his greatest achievement to date.

“I’m so excited about this Olympic medal. I can’t wait to go home and share it with all of my friends and family.”

Joining Hughes on the Olympic podium was Matt Graham who claimed a silver medal in the men’s moguls, as well as Opening Ceremony flag bearer, Scotty James who secured bronze in the men’s snowboard halfpipe.

51 Athletes from 10 winter sports have all come together for the 2018 Games, supporting one another in a true display of team culture.

“I think the AOC has worked really hard this time around on focusing on a team environment, as well as high performance.

“I feel like I’m coming away from these Games with so many new friends and I am as proud of their accomplishments as I am my own.”

The Australian contingent will be one of the 91 nations marching into the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Stadium on Sunday night (AEDT), concluding what has been an exciting action-packed Winter Olympic Games.

The Closing Ceremony starts at 10pm AEDT and will be available to watch, live and free on Channel 7.