Team GB has announced bobsledder Brad Hall and figure skater Lilah Fear as their flagbearers for the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The event will uniquely feature two separate ceremonies, with Fear leading the contingent in Milan and Hall in Cortina, aligning with their respective sport venues. This prestigious selection recognizes their remarkable contributions and standing within British winter sports.
Upon receiving the news from Team GB's Chef de Mission, Eve Muirhead, both athletes described feeling a mixture of shock and overwhelming emotion. Hall, a 35-year-old bobsleigh pilot, humorously recalled thinking there was an issue when approached, only to be met with the profound honor of representing his nation. His career boasts an impressive 30 World Cup medals, making him Britain's most accomplished male bobsled pilot, and this will be his third Olympic appearance.
Fear, at 26, shared a more tearful reaction, admitting to immediate crying and needing to find a private spot to compose herself. She emphasized the immense pride she felt and the challenge of keeping the exciting news confidential. Her selection makes her the first British ice dancer since Christopher Dean in 1984 to carry the flag, a legacy she acknowledges with great admiration, particularly given the frequent comparisons to the iconic Torvill and Dean partnership.
The dual ceremonies present a unique logistical challenge, particularly for Fear, who is scheduled to compete in the figure skating team event on the morning of the opening ceremony. She lightheartedly mentioned planning for a busy day, including a quick turnaround for hair and makeup after her competition. Both Hall and Fear have sought advice from Olympic medalist curler Muirhead on managing the responsibilities of a flagbearer, with Fear playfully noting her need for practical tips on carrying the flag given her stature.
This honor places them in a distinguished line of British Olympians, following in the footsteps of previous flagbearers like Muirhead herself and alpine skier Dave Ryding at Beijing 2022. The entire Team GB delegation will be outfitted by Ben Sherman, while the flagbearers will wear special hand-knitted accessories created by five-time summer Olympic medalist Tom Daley, further emphasizing the blend of athletic excellence and national pride at the Games.
The appointment of Hall and Fear as flagbearers for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics underscores their leadership, resilience, and the high regard in which they are held within the British sporting community. Their reactions highlight the profound significance of this role, symbolizing national pride and inspiring their fellow athletes as they embark on their Olympic campaigns.