Alex Marshall has experienced almost everything in seven previous Commonwealth Games appearances, but the honour of carrying the Saltire at an opening ceremony will be a new high point. The bowls star, who has won seven medals including five golds, will share the role with judoka Sarah Adlington at Thursday's opening ceremony at The Hydro.
Marshall's favourite Games memory remains his iconic 'get it up ye' celebration after an epic pairs semi-final with England in 2014, but he said the flag-bearing honour would overtake it. He had previously only hoisted the standard while leading the Scotland team at a closing ceremony, last time when the Games were in Glasgow 12 years ago.
The 59-year-old, known as 'Tattie', had never been the opening flagbearer until Team Scotland colleagues voted that he and Adlington should share the honour. The selection adds to what is already a particularly special Games for Marshall, who is also joined in the bowls team by his niece Beth Riva.
How did Marshall react to the honour?
Marshall said he was emotional when he learned the news, and that the moment seeing the athletes together on Wednesday morning brought tears to his eyes.
It's a bit nerve-wracking really
It's not very often I get a bit emotional, but I certainly had a tear in my eye when I came out the lift this morning and all the athletes were there. It's just a huge honour.
He was resplendent in a full kilt on a sweltering day and, while talking about the announcement on Wednesday, held the flagstick proprietorially like a child would a favourite toy. Marshall said he would have to let it go for the evening before having it returned before the big show.
What did Sarah Adlington say about sharing the role?
Adlington said she and Marshall had known for a few weeks but had been sworn to secrecy, making the announcement difficult to keep quiet. The 39-year-old heavyweight, who won judo gold in 2014 and 2022 and is aiming to complete the treble before ending her career, said only her nearest and dearest had been told.
And I'd win that fight
That's been really hard
I was told I could tell my nearest and dearest but for everyone else it will be a massive surprise.
I'm just so excited. I was so nervous when I woke up this morning, and I think I'll be even more nervous tomorrow. I might not even sleep tonight but if it's even half as good as it was in 2014, it will be amazing.
Adlington joked that she and Marshall might compete for first possession of the flagstick when the time comes, saying she would win that fight. She said the occasion had left her excited and nervous in equal measure, and that she expected the nerves to build further before Thursday's ceremony at The Hydro.
Key Facts
- Alex Marshall will share the Scotland flag-bearing role with Sarah Adlington at Thursday's opening ceremony at The Hydro.
- Marshall has competed at seven previous Commonwealth Games and won seven medals, five of them gold.
- His favourite Games memory is his 'get it up ye' celebration after the 2014 semi-final against England.
- Marshall last led Scotland in a closing ceremony when the Games were in Glasgow 12 years ago.
- Adlington won judo gold in 2014 and 2022 and wants to complete the treble before ending her career.
