Tasmanian cycling star Georgia Baker has been ended the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as Australia’s closing ceremony flag bearer, after claiming her seventh career medal at the event.
The 31-year-old from Perth south of Launceston was handed the honour by Chef de Mission Petria Thomas moments after winning silver in the elimination race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Baker completed a full set of Commonwealth Games medals in Glasgow, adding to golds in the team pursuit and scratch race and bronze in the points race.
“I’m so, so proud,” she said.
“It feels like a dream. It’s one of the biggest honours of my career, I think, to be trusted to carry the Australian flag out.”
The Launceston-born triple Olympian said the moment made her reflect on her journey in the sport.
“As soon as I got told I just remember being the young girl getting up at all hours of the morning watching Australia walk out in the opening and closing ceremonies of Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games and now for it to be me, I’m so proud and honoured,” she said.
“Luckily, from Tasmania I never felt like we were disadvantaged at all. If anything, I have so many people behind me, encouraging me and I can really feel that.”
Thomas said Baker was an obvious choice.
“She is very deserving of the honour,” she said.
“You’re not just looking at performance, you’re looking at the way they are with their team and fit into the broader Australian team as well and she certainly ticks all those boxes.”
Thomas said Baker had drawn level with cycling legend Anna Meares on their Commonwealth Games medal count.
In the elimination race, Victorian Alyssa Polites took gold with Baker finishing second and Canadian Maggie Coles-Lyster claiming bronze.
Baker is the second Tasmanian flag bearer after hockey star Eddie Ockenden.
Australia finished Glasgow with a record 28 track cycling medals, surpassing the 20 won at the same venue in 2014.
