TEAM GB’s victorious hockey captain Kate Richardson-Walsh is to carry the British flag at the Olympic closing ceremony.
The gold medallist made history along with her wife Helen, becoming the first same-sex married couple to win an Olympic gold in the same final during a historic battle with the Netherlands on Friday.
Andy Murray, gold medal winner in the men’s tennis, enjoyed the honour at the opening ceremony a fortnight ago and now it is Richardson-Walsh’s turn.
Richardson-Walsh, playing in her fourth Olympics, could scarcely have known just how incredible the GB hockey girls would perform.
The improbable golden victory against Holland was the culmination of a terrific run that saw Team GB storm through the tournament unbeaten.
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Kate's wife Helen was also in the side, making the pair the first same-sex married couple to win an Olympic gold medal in the same team.
Back at London 2012 Kate played with a metal plate in her face just five days after breaking her jaw.
Both Kate and Helen have announced their retirement from international hockey after achieving their dream of Olympic gold following a bronze medal in London and becoming European champions last year.
Next season both players will be performing in club hockey in Holland.
The flag waver at the closing ceremony is chosen by a BOA panel and the choice of Richardson-Walsh is also testimony to the importance of winning gold in a big participation sport like hockey.
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