2018 Winter Olympics: Beau-James Wells named as New Zealand's flagbearer

Beau-James Wells will be New Zealand's flag-bearer at the Winter Olympics. Photo / Getty

Freeskier Beau-James Wells has been named New Zealand's flagbearer for the opening ceremony at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

The Olympics begins with the opening ceremony late tonight (NZT).

Wells, 22, finished sixth in Sochi four years ago in the halfpipe at his first Olympics.

Two of his three brothers are also in the New Zealand team, fellow halfpiper Byron and slopestyle exponent Jackson.

Their oldest brother Jossi was ruled out of contention by injury, thus preventing a Wells foursome in PyeongChang.

"Beau-James is an inspiring athlete who has been at the forefront of freesking in New Zealand," New Zealand team chef de mission Pete Wardell said.

"He did us proud in Sochi with a sixth place in the halfpipe while he was still a teenager and competing at his first Olympic Games.

"He was able to overcome a significant ACL injury to finish the 2017 season with a 10th placing at New Zealand's competitive Winter Games and a sixth at the Copper Mountain World Cup."

Wells was chuffed with the honour.

"I'm so pumped to be waving the flag for our team tonight, representing this great nation of ours. It's a huge honour and it going to be a night I'll never forget that's for sure."

Wells arrived in PyeongChang on Thursday night along with his brotheers and father, and coach, Bruce Wells.

"Getting welcomed to the team village last night was epic. The New Zealand team did a haka for us and it was pretty emotional," Beau-James Wells said.

Wells has several days to get himself settled in. Qualifications for his halfpipe event are not until February 20, with the finals two days later.

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