Sian Honnor and Luke Greenbank 'honoured' to be named Team England flag and baton bearers for Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
Updated 23/07/2026 at 07:31 GMT+1
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Bowler Sian Honnor and swimmer Luke Greenbank have been announced as Team England's flag and baton bearers for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, which takes place on Thursday, July 23.
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The duo were voted in by their fellow Team England athletes, having been "nominated by their sports in recognition of their achievements, leadership and the example they set to those around them".
Honnor, 38, will carry the England flag, while Greenbank, 28, will hold the baton as the team enters the ceremony.
"To be nominated as flagbearer is really exciting," said Olympic medallist Greenbank, who is competing at his third Commonwealth Games, and won gold at Birmingham 2022.
"It's not something swimmers usually get to experience because we're competing from day one, but because my events are a little later in the programme, I'll be able to attend. It'll be a great experience and I'm really proud to represent the team.
"I knew I had been nominated by Swim England, but I wasn't really expecting anything. Then, at a team meeting, I was told by the Team England staff. It was a really nice moment to be selected by the athletes and represent them at the opening ceremony."
Honnor, who is taking part in a fifth Commonwealth Games having won a medal in each of the previous four editions, added: "This is my fifth Commonwealth Games. I’ve been so lucky to travel all around the world to do the sport that I love and compete in lots of different places.
"But I think there is no greater feeling than having that England shirt on your back. It is such a proud moment every time I go out there representing my country.
"I didn’t know I was nominated until I went on to select who I wanted to do it. I think for bowls to be included in the shortlist is amazing and a great platform for the sport.
"To be chosen, there are no words. I am absolutely honoured to be leading England in that way."
Team England chef de mission Jonny Riall said: "I am absolutely delighted that Sian and Luke will lead Team England into the opening ceremony as our flag and baton bearers.
"From the outset, we wanted to recognise athletes who not only represent their sport with distinction, but who also embody everything it means to represent Team England. They are respected by team-mates, admired by competitors and, above all, wear the England shirt with immense pride.
"The fact they were chosen by a vote of their fellow athletes makes this recognition even more special. It speaks volumes about the people they are, not just the medals they have won."
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Five-time Commonwealth champion bowler Alex Marshall and Sarah Adlington - twice a gold medal winner in judo - will be Scotland's flagbearers at the opening ceremony.
The honour for Wales will go to boxer Rosie Eccles and bowler Daniel Salmon.
Eccles, who turns 30 on the day of the event, won silver in Australia at the 2018 Games and gold at Birmingham 2022. Salmon picked up gold medals in 2018 and 2022.
The Northern Ireland flagbearers will be announced on Thursday.
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