Baker named flag bearer after Australia quinella
Roger Vaughan |
Georgia Baker’s record-equalling gold medal haul at the Commonwealth Games has earned her closing ceremony flag bearer honours.
Moments after the Australian cyclist won silver behind Alyssa Polites in the women’s elimination race, team chef de mission Petria Thomas broke the happy news next to the team pit at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Baker was stunned as the Australian flag was draped around her shoulders. Polites and fellow elimination rider Sophie Edwards had an emotional embrace with her.
Her silver means Baker remains tied for the most Australian cycling gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
Baker had to duel with Canadian Maggies Coles-Lyster for the silver medal, as fellow Aussie Alyssa Polites rode clear.
By the time Baker had pulled clear of Coles-Lyster, Polites was well ahead and guaranteed the gold early on Monday morning (AEST).
It is Polites’ second gold in Glasgow, after she and Baker rode in the team pursuit.
Baker also won gold in the women’s scratch race, after winning three gold at the Birmingham Games.
Anna Meares, Matt Glaetzer and Brad McGee are the other Australian cyclists to win give Commonwealth Games gold medals.
Earlier on the last day of the Games, fellow Australian Leigh Hoffman also made history.
He became the first Australian cyclist to win four medals at the one Games when he took out the 1km men’s time trial.
That gave him three gold and one silver in Glasgow.
AAP