Alpine skier Zak Carrick-Smith and cross-country skier Sophie Forth have been named as Team GB’s flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony of the Bakuriani 2025 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOWF) in Georgia.
The 17-year-olds were both nominated by their respective Team Leaders for being outstanding ambassadors for their sports, and for best displaying the Team GB values, before being selected by Team GB Chef de Mission, Charlie Burn.
Both athletes are no strangers to representing Great Britain having competed at the Gangwon Youth Olympic Games last year; which were Team GB’s most successful ever winter event on record. Carrick-Smith also contributed two golds and one silver medal to the record-breaking six medal tally.
They will lead the team out at the Opening Ceremony this evening (Sunday 9th February) which marks the beginning of the eight-day multi-sport winter event.
Carrick-Smith, who became Britain’s first ever alpine gold medallist at an Olympic event in Gangwon, was delighted to be selected: “My time with Team GB holds so many amazing memories already so to be selected as one of the flagbearers on top of that is incredible.
“My brother Freddie didn’t quite make the Gangwon team last year, but to have him with us this time and our mum out as coach, will make the Opening Ceremony so special for us as a family.”
Forth, who starts her competition in the 5km Classic on the 11th of February, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was told I’d be flagbearer. It’s such an honour.
“I think I’m going to feel quite overwhelmed leading the team out and holding the flag, but it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
Charlie Burn, Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Bakuriani 2025, said: “To be selected to lead your country and team out at an Opening Ceremony is a huge honour. Sophie and Zak are fantastic ambassadors for their sports and Team GB. We are extremely proud of them both and hope that they will remember this moment for many years to come.”
Bakuriani 2025 runs from 9th-16th February, with Team GB’s 20 young athletes competing in seven of the eight sports on the programme: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country, figure skating, freestyle skiing, freestyle snowboard and short-track speed skating.