Home nations name Commonwealth Games flagbearersImage source, PA MediaImage caption, Alex Marshall is competing at his eighth Commonwealth Games and Sarah Adlington her third ByMatthew HenryBBC Sport JournalistPublished5 minutes agoFive-time Commonwealth champion bowler Alex Marshall and two-time judo champion Sarah Adlington will be Scotland’s flagbearers at Thursday’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.With five golds, one silver and one bronze, Marshall is Scotland’s most successful athlete at the Commonwealth Games while Adlington is chasing an unprecedented third judo gold at the Games.England’s flagbearers will be Sian Honnor, a four-time medalist in bowls, and swimmer Luke Greenbank.Boxer Rosie Eccles, who turns 30 on the day of the ceremony, and bowler Daniel Salmon are Wales’ flagbearers.Northern Ireland’s duo will be confirmed on Thursday.”It is a huge honour and a great feeling,” Marshall told BBC Sport.”It is not often I get emotional but I certainly had a tear in my eye this morning.”Honnor mentioned: “I didn’t know I was nominated until I went on to select who I wanted to do it. I think for bowls to be included in the shortlist is amazing and a great platform for the sport.”To be chosen, there are no words. I am absolutely honoured to be leading England in that way.”Eccles mentioned it was a “huge honour” while Salmon was in tears when speaking to the BBC.”I still am a little speechless,” Eccles mentioned. “I feel so fiercely proud to represent Wales anyway but to carry to the flag and lead some amazing athletes out…”Image source, Team EnglandImage caption, Backstroke specialist Greenbank won gold in the men’s 4x100m medley relay in Birmingham. Honnor has won medals at each of her previous four GamesBetween them, the flagbearers will carry their nation’s flag and their respective King’s batons at the ceremony held at Glasgow’s Hydro arena. For the first time, all 74 nations and territories will have their own baton specially designed to represent their culture.England’s baton was created by Cornish artist Bonnie Steward, who used plastic waste found on beaches and in cities to depict scenes of England.Having first had her other artwork work spotted at a Christmas market, Steward produced the piece over recent months.”I’d wake up at 4am and start doing it again,” she told the BBC. “It took over my life.”It has been completely surreal, this whole experience. “Seeing inspiring athletes holding your work, I will never forget this moment.”Image caption, England’s baton includes a replica of the Ribblehead viaduct made from a hair combRelated topicsCommonwealth Games
