Bo Guttormsdottir-Frost, Coen Gilbert and Evan McPhillips have been selected as flagbearers for the Closing Ceremony at the Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).
The trio were chosen not only for their performances on the field of play, but also for proving to be outstanding ambassadors for Team GB.
Guttormsdottir-Frost and Gilbert will carry the flag into the Jane Sandanski stadium in Skopje, while McPhillips will lead the team in Osijek, Croatia. The concurrent events bring the curtain down on another amazing summer EYOF.
Six days of competition, in which 54 Team GB athletes took to the field of play at venues across Skopje and Osijek, were dominated by the vast success of the swimming, badminton, cycling and gymnastics squads.
Guttormsdottir-Frost was selected as flagbearer for proving to be an exemplary role model to her teammates. On the court, she ended the 3x3 basketball tournament as Great Britain’s top point scorer as they made history as the nation’s first team in the discipline at an EYOF, and off it she was a constant beacon of positivity and support.
She said: “It’s been such an honour to be here with Team GB and help the girl’s do the best we can. I have so much respect for everyone here and how much work they’ve put in get to this competition, so I’ve really enjoyed sharing their happiness and joy.
“I really enjoyed the opening ceremony and therefore, I am really excited to get that special experience of leading the team out.”
Likewise, after narrowly missing out on bronze, it was everything away from the field of play that led to the selection of judoka Gilbert as flagbearer. His bright personality, infectious attitude and commitment to bringing the team together shone bright throughout the week.
The 16-year-old said: “Judo is obviously an individual sport, but I really enjoy being around others, supporting them and trying to learn as much as possible.
“That’s been the best part of being with Team GB because it’s so different and so interesting. It’ll be a huge honour to represent everyone out here in Skopje and back home by carrying the flag.”
And in Osijek, Team GB’s gymnastics squad enjoyed a range of success over four days of competition, with Evan McPhillips selected as flagbearer for his notable contributions to the team’s gold medal tally.
McPhillips, who won three golds, said: “I'm incredibly proud to be selected as the flagbearer today. I've had an amazing week to say the least.
“Winning three gold medals has been incredible. I have no words really. I'm just really proud of what I have been able to achieve.”
Guttormsdottir-Frost, Gilbert and McPhillips were told of their flag bearing honours by Team GB Chef de Mission Rachel Smith in front of the other athletes and support staff.
Smith said: “The whole team have done so well this week and should all be extremely proud of themselves. I'm delighted that Bo, Coen and Evan have accepted the invitation to represent and lead the team out at the Closing Ceremony of Skopje 2025.
“As Chef de Mission, I couldn’t ask for a better example of what we look for in our athletes than Bo. Her excellence on the field of play was clear to see, but she has also proven to be a fantastic teammate for everyone at Team GB when away from the court.”
"Coen has been exceptional throughout the Games. Everything from his determination and confidence before competition, to his genuine interest in, and high hopes for, the rest of the team. We hope he continues to be the brilliant person he has shown himself to be, and enjoys plenty of success down the line.”
“The medals speak for themselves, but Evan has brought a special energy to the team environment which has no doubt had a massive influence on our gymnastics success. I hope he enjoys tonight and it brings a fantastic week to a close in the right way for him.”
Alongside Guttormsdottir-Frost, Gilbert and McPhillips, Smith also commended the standout performances of Austyn Manley after he won five medals in the pool, and Isha Mekala and Kalyan Manoj, who brought home Team GB’s first badminton medals at an EYOF in over 25 years - including the first ever Team GB gold in the boy’s event from Manoj.
Explore all of Team GB’s results from Skopje 2025 EYOF.