Redgrave to bear British flag

Redgrave: Will bear the British flag

Steve Redgrave will be Britain's flag bearer in Sunday's closing ceremony for the Sydney Olympics.

Redgrave, who claimed a rowing gold medal for the fifth successive Games in the men's coxless four, said it would be "a great honour" to lead the British team around Stadium Australia.

Redgrave was Britain's flag bearer at the opening ceremony for Barcelona in 1992 and at Atlanta four years ago.

And coxless four team-mate Matthew Pinsent had the honour of being flag bearer for the opening ceremony here in Sydney.

Redgrave celebrates with son Zac

Redgrave said: "I feel a bit guilty because rowing seems to have monopolised the opening and closing ceremonies but it will finish my Olympics off in a very special way."

Redgrave has said he will keep rowing internationally but has not yet revealed whether he will attempt a sixth successive Games gold in Athens in 2004.

Historic

But being the flag bearer after winning an historic fifth gold medal in Sydney - making him the most successive Olympian in endurance sports - would be an impressive way to bow out of Olympic action.

British Olympic Association Chef de Mission Simon Clegg revealed that team managers within Team GB had been unanimous in chosing Redgrave to be flag bearer.

And a smiling Redgrave, tongue in cheek, said: "The BOA are making it very difficult for me to carry on.

"When Princess Anne presented me with the gold medal she said, `this is the second gold medal I've given you - I don't want to see a third'.

"I've still made no statement on what my career will entail from now on. I'll race in a few weeks' time (in a sprint challenge) and assess it after that."