European Games Super Heavyweight boxing champion Joe Joyce has been selected as Team GB’s Flagbearer for this evening's Closing Ceremony of the Baku 2015 European Games. The 29-year-old Londoner’s backflip celebrations have made him one of the stars of the first European Games.
On his way to gold “Big Joe” put in a succession of spectacular performances, claiming victory inside the opening round of his first two contests. The European Games gold medal now sits alongside the Commonwealth Games title Joyce claimed in Glasgow last year.
Joyce’s performance secured one of 47 medals (18 gold, 10 silver, 19 bronze) across 11 different sports, seeing Team GB climb to third spot in the final medal table. Joe Joyce will follow in the footsteps of boxing teammate Nicola Adams who carried the flag for Team GB at the Opening Ceremony 16 days ago.
Joyce said: “I am honoured to be chosen as the Team GB flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony.
“To have made history over the past two weeks as the first ever Super Heavyweight European Games Champion was a huge moment for me. Now to be selected as Team GB’s Flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony, these Games really couldn’t have gone any better.
“Leading Team GB into the stadium will be massively proud moment. To be honoured in this way is certainly a highlight of any athlete’s career.” Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England said: “Joe’s performances have been truly spectacular. He is very deserving of his gold medal and being selected at Team GB’s Flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony.
“Joe has been a credit to Team GB both inside and outside the ring, throughout his time with us in Baku. He is the perfect choice as our Closing Ceremony Flagbearer.”