Short track speed skater Kathryn Thomson (Nottingham) was today selected to carry the Union Flag at the Closing Ceremony of the 11th European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Braşov, Romania.
Thomson was Team GB’s only medallist of the EYOWF when she captured silver in the 500m short track speed skating competition. Not only did Thomson produce Team GB’s first short track speed skating medal at an EYOWF in over 15 years but she also demonstrated an excellent consistency throughout the week and achieved proportionally the best results at the festival.
“I am really excited to carry the flag for Team GB tonight, I’ve never experienced anything like this before so it should be really fun,” said Thomson.” It’s very special to be selected, I really wasn’t expecting it. I am a little nervous, just in case I do something wrong, but I am going to get a few tips from Amy because she carried the flag at the Closing Ceremony in Vancouver so I am sure I’ll be fine. It’s the end of my season and I have skated really well out here. I am going home with a medal and a few new PBs so I am really happy with how this week has gone and carrying the flag tonight at the Closing Ceremony just tops it all off.”
“To win a medal for your nation is a very special moment; to be selected as the Flag Bearer for the Closing Ceremony by your peers is equally as special,” said Team Ambassador Amy Williams. “I had the honour of being in the exact same position as Kat in Vancouver at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games so I also know how nervous she is probably feeling. I am sure that she will lead Team GB proudly into the Closing Ceremony and the team couldn’t have picked a better candidate for job!