Mark Swan was left in shock after being selected as Team England’s flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The para powerlifter won the first gold of Glasgow 2026 by clinching victory in the men’s lightweight category. Swan was surprised with the honour of flagbearer by Team England Chef de Mission Jonny Riall and admitted he could not believe he was chosen.
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He said: “What a fantastic opportunity it is, I’m absolutely over the moon. I feel a big sense of pride in that opportunity. I want to say a big thank you and go and have some fun.
“The impact the Games have had on Team England has been absolutely phenomenal, the energy in the hotel at our prep camp was sky high and we were ready. The people of Glasgow have done an absolutely fantastic job, the effort they have put in is top class and it’s massively appreciated.
“It’s does not go unnoticed, the work done behind the scenes. I speak on behalf of all the athletes and all the staff, we’re very appreciative and overwhelmed by the support. We want to say a huge thank you.”
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Swan won silver at Birmingham 2022 but his hard work in the ensuing four years was rewarded with gold at the SEC Armadillo, as he edged Nigeria’s Roland Ezuruike in a thrilling contest. The 25-year-old also boasts Paralympic silver but his gold in Glasgow is the highlight of his career so far.
Swan added: “They are the best Games I’ve ever been to by far. Winning in front of my family, in front of my wife, it’s hard to beat that, I don’t think I’ll ever beat that moment.”
Team England’s Riall explained why Swan was chosen as flagbearer out of a host of creditable options, highlighting the County Durham athlete’s influence away from the platform as well as his performances on it.
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Riall said: “We needed somebody who could be our flag bearer who represented our team proudly and could stand in front of 250 English athletes with a sense of absolute pride at how they have represented not just their sport, not just this team but the entire Commonwealth Games.”
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