Jack Laugher named as Team England flagbearer for Games opening ceremony

Olympic champion Jack Laugher has been named as one of Team England’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Laugher and weightlifter Emily Campbell will lead Team England in the athletes’ parade at the ceremony, which takes place at the Alexander Stadium on Thursday 28 July from 7.15pm 

The event will feature a performance from Duran Duran and be broadcast live on BBC1.

Laugher said: “I’m extremely honoured to be a flagbearer for Team England. 

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’ve watched the opening ceremonies with the amazing athletes who have stood before me carrying the flag and representing our country – and to be one of those people, within a home Games, is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little boy,.

“This will be my fourth Commonwealth Games, so representing my country in Birmingham, where my mum is from, is amazing, and to carry the flag is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Mark England OBE, Team England’s Chef de Mission, said: “The athletes have been building towards this moment in their careers, and everyone connected to the team is so proud to be representing the home nation in Birmingham. 

“Jack and Emily are symbols of Team England’s values, and it will be hugely inspiring to see them holding the country’s flag at the opening ceremony.”