Flying the flag: Kirsty Gilmour
The 2022 Commonwealth Games began with a precious moment for one of our own, Kirsty Gilmour who was chosen by her teammates as a Team Scotland flagbearer alongside Paralympic powerlifter Micky Yule.
Commenting on her selection Kirsty said, “I am over the moon to have been selected by my fellow athletes to carry the flag for Scotland. Representing Scotland has always been a huge honour but to be named flagbearer for a Games so close to home is amazing.”
“What makes this even more special is that I will be walking alongside Micky who is an inspirational athlete and I have no doubt it will a very special moment for both of us. For me personally, I am also the first openly gay athlete to carry the flag for Scotland – a huge honour for me and for everyone in the LGBTQ community. I can’t wait to get to Alexander Stadium now.”
Birmingham 2022 is Kirsty’s fourth Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland and we’re very much looking forward to seeing her compete for gold. Kirsty started training with the senior squad at just 15 years old and went on to become the youngest badminton player to attend a Commonwealth Games for Scotland at Delhi 2010 – “hats off to whoever made that decision” she says!
“I just love competing for Team Scotland. It’s more personable and at this point I’ve known some of the athletes, organisers and people around the team for 12 years. I’ve almost grown up with them. We have a real community feel around the team and it’s a super nice feeling to have everyone together when we compete at the Commonwealth Games.”
Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport expressed her delight on Kirsty and Micky leading our Team Scotland, saying: “To be selected by their fellow team members demonstrates how worthy and experienced they are as athletes. I am sure it will be a proud moment and everyone in the Ceremony and at home will be cheering them on.”
Image credits: Team Scotland Official.