Matt Bush and Poppy Maskill named ParalympicsGB flagbearers for closing ceremony

Swimmer Poppy Maskill and taekwondo star Matt Bush have been announced as Britain’s flagbearers for the Paralympics closing ceremony.

Maskill won five medals in the pool in the S14 swimming class for intellectually impaired athletes, including golds in the 100 metres butterfly, where she set a world record, 100m backstroke and 4x100m freestyle mixed relay.

The 19-year-old said: “The butterfly was my favourite as it was my first Paralympic medal and a world record. Next time I really want to win five golds. I’ve had a really amazing time and I can’t wait to carry the flag.”

Bush won gold in the men’s 80+ kilograms category with a dominant 5-0 win in the final.

The Welshman, who previously competed as a javelin thrower prior to a shoulder problem, missed out on the Tokyo Games three years ago because of injury.

He said: “It’s an unbelievable honour to represent not only the athletes in my sport but across all the 19 sports in ParalympicsGB. Everyone has performed so well and it’s been so fantastic to be here, I’m just super happy.

“ParalympicsGB is such a close-knit team. It is extra special that I can carry the flag on behalf of everyone. It’s an unbelievable way to finish my first experience of a Paralympic Games.”

The Paralympics draws to a close in Paris on Sunday evening.

Published: 08/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub