Winter Olympics 2026: Leila Fair and Brad Hall named Team GB flag bearers at the opening ceremony

Fair said it was “bittersweet” to have the teams split up for different opening ceremonies, but said it would represent the “unity” of Team GB across the villages.

Both are also in the unusual position of competing in team events but carrying the flag alone.

“This message was received well by my teammates, and I think some of them knew I was running,” Hall said.

“Louis is very proud of me, I represent both of us,” Ver added. “It’s exciting to represent skating.”

Being the flag bearer presents a logistical problem for Fear, who will compete on the morning of the opening day of the snowboarding team event.

“It’s going to be a long day, there’s no escape from that,” she said. “We compete around 10 a.m., then we’ll cheer on our teammates.

“Then I might have an hour to do my hair and makeup!”

Hall and Fear follows Muirhead and alpine skier Dave Riding, who carried the flag at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and both sought advice from Olympic medalist Muirhead.

“I’m 5’2″ and I’m not very strong at lifting things, maybe I should imagine,” Veer said with a laugh. “I’ll practically ask Eve how to do it.”

Clothing manufacturer Ben Sherman will outfit the entire Team GB delegation for both the opening and closing ceremonies, while flag bearers will wear knit scarves and winter hats designed by five-time Summer Olympic medalist Tom Daley, who carried the flag at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.