The Freeskier Beau-James Wells has been named as the New Zealand team's flag bearer for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics which begin tonight.
The 22-year-old was presented with the team leader's cloak in a ceremony today and will lead the team into the stadium at tonight's opening ceremony.
Wells who'll be competing at his second Olympics alongside brothers Jackson and Byron says he's hugely proud to be chosen for the role.
"I'm so pumped to be waving the flag for our team tonight, representing this great nation of ours. It's a huge honour and it's going to be a night I'll never forget that's for sure," said Wells.
Beau-James Wells in the New Zealand team kakahu (cloak) which is worn only by the flagbearer of New Zealand Olympic teams. Photo: NZOC
All 21 members of the New Zealand team will march in tonight's ceremony which starts just before midnight with the temperature expected to be around -5°C, that's up from the -17° of the past few days.
"The weather is forecast to be comparatively mild with temperatures between -5 and -2 degrees Celsius, although a wind chill factor is expected. We do have some athletes who will stay back at the village as they compete early in the games programme, but generally our team members are really excited to take part," said team chef de mission Peter Wardell.
While conditions are not so harsh, the team will nonetheless be dressed for warmth.
In traditional black, the team will wear a classically styled woollen overcoat specifically requested for the Opening Ceremony by the athletes themselves.
"Snow boots, puffer jackets, warm underlayers and hats and scarves will ensure they stay warm during the ceremony and we have plenty of heated vests for those who wish to wear one."
The New Zealand Team is marching into the Olympic Stadium seventh of the 91 nations in Pyeongchang, ordered according to the Korean alphabet. New Zealand comes after Norway and the Netherlands.
