Aussie sporting stars Nina Kennedy and Tim Hodge have been named Australia’s Flag and Baton Bearers for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
Chef de Mission Petria Thomas shared the special news at the Australian Team Reception today.
Kennedy, the reigning pole vault champion, will wave the national flag, while Paralympic swimming powerhouse Hodge carries the baton as Australia prepares to march into Glasgow’s Hydro in front of a global audience tomorrow morning our time.
For both athletes, the selection brings emotional, full-circle moments.
Kennedy, who snagged her very first Commonwealth medal back in 2018, called the honour deeply humbling after pushing through a grueling road of past injuries.
“I am so proud to follow in the footsteps of so many great Australians who have carried the flag before me. The Commonwealth Games have always meant so much to me; it’s where I won my first medal back in 2018,” Kennedy said.
“This is my third Games, and I’m lucky enough to be defending my title. My final isn’t until later in the week, so I’ll get a bit of a sleep-in the morning after. I’ve worked with our team to make sure I’m as prepared as I can be, and there’s no version of the Games where I’d miss the chance to carry that flag.
“I’ve had a long road with injuries to get back to this point, so to be trusted with this now, on top of everything else so far this season, means more than I can really put into words.”
Meanwhile, Hodge returns to the exact city where he made his international debut over a decade ago.
“I’ve been lucky enough to compete at two Commonwealth Games already, and I’ve watched the Team come into the stadium both times and felt so much pride watching the green and gold walking in,” Hodge said.
“To now have that role myself, to have it happen in Glasgow of all places, the same city where I made my international debut, means the Games already feel special.”
“It’s the first time that I’ll march too, I’m usually competing first day. I can’t wait to feel the excitement.”
The duo will lead an impressive Australian contingent of 255 athletes, including 150 debutants, representing every state and territory across the nation.
The action officially kicks off on July 24.
