Athletics Australia – News – World champion MacDonald to carry Australian flag

Reigning F34 shot put world champion Hamish MacDonald has been announced as Australian flag bearer, with the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships opening ceremony set  to commence in Christchurch (NZL) at 9:30am AEDST.

A 16-time national champion in the Secured Shot Put, MacDonald has represented Australia at five Paralympic Games and four World Championships with his most recent international appearance at the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi (IND) resulting in a Para-Sport Shot Put bronze medal.

“I’m just so humbled by the opportunity,” MacDonald said.

“Representing your country is reward enough, but to be asked to carry the flag at the opening ceremony is one amazing bonus and I can’t wait to lead the team out alongside 70 other countries today.”

Competing at the Athletics World Champs Warm-Up Meet in Sydney last Friday, MacDonald heaved 10.92m in the Secured Shot Put, his best result in seven years, with the 36-year-old heading into competition in Christchurch in blistering form.

“Hamish is a fantastic team leader, a veteran of the sport and an outstanding role model for our relatively young team,” Rohan Short, Australian team leader said.

“A former F34 shot put world record holder, two-time Paralympic medallist and twice world champion, he has a fantastic international resume and we look forward to seeing him at his best come competition day Saturday.”

The 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships is the last major gathering of athletes with a disability ahead of the 2012 London Paralympics, with today’s opening ceremony to be followed by nine days of competition at QEII Stadium in Christchurch (NZL).

2011 IPC Athletics World Championships
January 21-30
Christchurch (NZL)

Athletics Australia – News