Gold medal-winning rower Mohamed Sbihi has made history today after being the first Muslim to carry the British flag at an Olympic opening ceremony.
He was joined by another gold medallist, the sailor Hannah Mills, an environmental campaigner and an advocate for the eradication of single use plastic in sport.
It is the first time that two competitors have carried the flag after the International Olympic Committee announced last year that each national Olympic committee could nominate one female and one male athlete as flag bearers.
“To know I’m the first person of Muslim faith to have this role and duty is a very proud moment,” says Sbihi.
“We need more representation and hopefully this starts that process of getting young Muslim kids involved in all types of sport.
“I was in London and Rio to see Mo Farah win his medals as a refugee who came to the country very young and as a practising Muslim. That was inspiring.
“He was somebody I saw around my university when I was training and it’s amazing to think that I’m the first Muslim to have this honour.”
More to follow…
