Olympics: Drysdale named as flag bearer

New Zealand's gold medalists, from left, back, Joseph Sullivan, Nathan Cohen, Mahe Drysdale, Eric Murray and Hamish Bond, front, Olivia Powrie, Lisa Carrington and Jo Aleh. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Gold medal winning rower Mahe Drysdale has been appointed flag bearer for the Olympics closing ceremony in London this morning.

Drysdale was named flagbearer at an Olympic team function prior to the ceremony at the Olympic Village.

New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie said : "We are delighted to have named such a proud athlete who has played such an important role in creating and maintaining a positive and strong team environment."

"The team focused on providing a high performance environment which athletes respected and supported one another and had an absolute commitment to performance. The sport within the Olympic team that clearly demonstrated those principles was the rowing team."

New Zealand finished the Olympics with a record-equaling 13 medals including five golds. Five medals were won in rowing.

Dysdale won gold in the men's single sculls at Eaton Dorney at the end of the first week in London, making up for the bronze he won four years earlier in Beijing.

"I'm so honoured to be chosen as the closing ceremony flag bearer. Winning gold was just fantastic, but being able to support other athletes as they prepare for competition has been amazing," Drysdale said.

"The New Zealand Olympic Team has had some amazing performances and I am pleased I could support the whole team as they progressed through competition. It is fantastic to be a part of one of New Zealand's most successful Olympic Teams ever."

- HERALD ONLINE