Source: Team GB

Snowboarder Ellie Soutter to be Team GB Flagbearer

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Bronze medal winning snowboarder Ellie Soutter has been named Team GB’s Closing Ceremony Flagbearer for the Erzurum 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).

Soutter, who claimed Team GB’s only medal of the Festival with snowboard cross bronze on Wednesday, was chosen by Chef de Mission Joe Divall both for her achievements on the slopes as well as her commitment to the Team GB values during the week.

This evening’s Closing Ceremony ends five days of competition in Turkey with Erzurum having hosted 650 athletes from 34 nations for the 13th winter edition of the EYOF.

Team GB’s 17 athletes competed across five of the nine disciplines; alpine skiing, cross country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating and snowboarding, and recorded 12 personal bests in the process.

Ellie Soutter said: “I’m really honoured and incredibly proud. A medal on Wednesday then Flagbearer today is an amazing end to an amazing week.

“Everyone on the team here has put in some amazing performances and given everything. I don’t think I’ve ever been with such a dedicated and supportive group of athletes. Everyone’s been supporting each other all week and taking a real interest in each other’s sports.

“The team has gelled really well and it’s been a cool thing to watch. That supportive network is a great thing to have – to know that you can rely on athletes from other sports is super cool.”

Joe Divall, Chef de Mission for Erzurum 2017 said: “Ellie has enjoyed a fantastic week in Turkey. She’s fully deserving of being Flagbearer tonight and is an ideal candidate to represent the rest of Team GB at the Closing Ceremony. Her bronze medal was one of the great highlights of the week and, away from the slopes, she’s been a team player and one who has really embodied the team values that the British Olympic Association promote at every Games.

“As a group, the athletes have had a really successful week with 12 personal bests recorded across the five sports and I’m sure their time as part of Team GB at Erzurum 2017 will stand them in great stead for their future sporting careers. It’s been a memorable experience for all of us involved and one that will no doubt stay with these athletes for a long time.”

Report courtesy of Team GB