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| David is the toast of TeamGB as he takes charge of the national flag |
David Bolarinwa was awarded the ultimate honour tonight, and was presented with the Union Jack flag by Vancouver Winter Olympics Champion Amy Williams in front of Lord Moynihan, Chair of the British Olympic Association. He will make history in leading the whole of TeamGB out onto the opening ceremony tomorrow night (Saturday 14th).
Millions of TV viewers worldwide, plus a capacity crowd in the Singapore Marina, will witness what is expected to be a spectacular opening ceremony to the first ever Youth Olympic Games. For full details and quotes from David - go to http://www.olympics.org.uk/news.aspx
A visibly shocked young man became the toast of TeamGB before he has even run a step, at a reception held by British High Commissioner in Singapore, HE Paul Madden. He flew a giant-size Union Jack in front of the entire team on the steps of the Singapore mansion with all other 38 members of the team gathered behind him. A TV interview followed, during which an emotional call home was put on speaker as he told his mother what had just happened.
"I think everyone had to swallow hard at that moment," said coach John Powell, "it is a terrific honour, and when David was trying to explain to his mum what had just happened it was a real mix of humour and emotion."
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| David phones home in front of the cameras with BBC Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton egging him on |
David will soak up his first experience of an Olympic atmosphere at the ceremony before he returns to training on Sunday morning to get on with the real business end of the trip.
"We're going to the competition stadium Sunday morning for a blocks sessions under starting officials, so that will be a great opportunity to see what it will be like on Wednesday when the heats go off," said John. Monday we're training at a local school facility, and Tuesday it's chill-out time before we get down to business on Wednesday."
Earlier in the day today David had completed another speedy training session at the village complex training facility, and emerged really upbeat as he had finally shaken off all the after effects of traveling 7600 miles and traversing seven time zones.
"I felt fast today for the first real time since we've been here," he said, "and that makes me feel a whole lot better."
More pictures from the celebrations in Singapore...
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| David received the Union Flag from Vancouver Gold medalist, Amy Williams |
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| Coach John Powell with David after the 16-year-old's big moment! |
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| John Powell with Lord Moynihan after the celebrations |
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| David takes charge of the Flag surrounded by TeamGB |
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