Tasmania's three-time hockey gold medallist Eddie Ockenden, 35, and Queensland's six-time squash representative, Rachael Grinham, 45, have been named by Australian Chef de Mission Petria Thomas as Australia’s dual flagbearers for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
Photo Credit: Commonwealth Games Australia
The Hobart born co-captain of the Kookaburras joins former Australian skipper Mark Knowles - who carried the flag four years ago on the Gold Coast - as only the second Australian hockey player to go to four Commonwealth Games. He is seeking to join Knowles as a four-time gold medallist.
“It’s hard to put into words. To be able to represent hockey like Knowlesy did last time in the opening ceremony is a huge buzz,” Ockenden said.
“You have a bit of imposter syndrome thinking am I worthy to lead such an amazing Australian team … they are the first things that cross your mind.
“I’ve enjoyed watching other people carry the flag in previous Games, so it’s pretty cool that Rachael and I have the chance to do it.
“I love representing Australia in hockey but I love the other sports as well and being able to continue on the tradition of the Commonwealth Games and represent the athletes is amazing.”
Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles congratulated Ockenden and said he was a fitting choice.
“Eddie epitomises the CGA values and brings these to his life both on and off the pitch on a daily basis,” Pryles said.
“Eddie is a great example of what Australians look for in someone to represent and inspire them. He holds respect through his words and actions and represents his country with pride and distinction every time he steps on the pitch.
“This is fitting acknowledgement of Eddie’s contribution to the Kookaburras, the entire Hockey in Australia community and the Commonwealth Games.”
Thomas, who made the announcement in front of 300 team members inside the Birmingham University Athletes Village, added: “These decisions are not just based on how many Games they have been to – they have to be model athletes and both Eddie and Rachael certainly tick that box.
“Although we don’t have team captains, they do become our unofficial team leaders so it is a great honour.
“These choices come with a lot of responsibility and I know we have chosen two fantastic athletes who have shown great commitment to the Commonwealth movement.”
Already a four-time Olympian, Ockenden is Australia's all-time leading appearance-maker in hockey having played 392 games.