Commonwealth Games honour for Kirsty Gilmour as badminton ace is first openly gay athlete to be flagbearer for Scotland

Bothwell badminton ace Kirsty Gilmour has spoken of her pride in being announced as a Team Scotland flagbearer for tonight's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony - and becoming the first openly gay athlete to have the honour.

The 28-year-old, who won silver she won in Glasgow in 2014 and bronze at the Gold Coast 2018 Games, will be joined by Paralymic powerlifter Micky Yule in leading Team Scotland out at the Alexander Stadium.

And it's an historic moment for Gilmour as she prepares to go for gold in her fourth Games.

“I am over the moon to have been selected by my fellow athletes to carry the flag for Scotland," she said.

“Representing Scotland has always been a huge honour but to be named flagbearer for a Games so close to home is amazing.

“What makes this even more special is that I will be walking alongside Micky who is an inspirational athlete and I have no doubt it will a very special moment for both of us.

“For me personally, I am also the first openly gay athlete to carry the flag for Scotland – a huge honour for me and for everyone in the LGBTQ community.

"I can’t wait to get to Alexander Stadium now.”

Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland Paul Bush OBE said “This is a fantastic moment for Team Scotland, and for Kirsty and Micky.

"Selecting two flagbearers who have such an impressive track record in sport is a real honour for us and shows that our athletes are role models and heroes to so many for more than just their sporting achievements.

"I look forward to seeing them on parade at Alexander Stadium on Thursday.”

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