Team Scotland is delighted to reveal our two flagbearers for the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, which takes place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad on 4th August. 

Swimmer Stefan Krawiec and Netball player Niamh Trainer have both been selected by Team Scotland for the honour, which will see Scotland have two flagbearers for the first time at the Commonwealth Youth Games. 

Eighteen-year-old Niamh first tried netball at school age 11 and has become a driving force within the Scottish team, noted for her leadership and support of her team mates. She made her international debut at last year’s Netball Europe U17 Championship, where she was named Player of the Tournament, and has already received her first U19 cap against Wales. 

Stefan has also excelled on the international stage, winning two medals at last year’s European Youth Olympics. He took gold as part of the 4×100 medley relay and an individual bronze in the 100m butterfly in a new Scottish junior record. He has continued to progress in 2023, competing in the European Junior Championships. He is also a supported athlete on the PHM athlete award through the Team Scotland Youth Trust. 

Niamh said, “I feel so honoured to have been chosen to represent Scotland as the female flagbearer in the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. Not only do I get to represent women in sport but also netball, especially since it is the first time it has appeared at the Commonwealth Youth Games.”

Stefan said: “I’m very honoured. I was just happy to be at this competition in the first place, to represent Scotland at this high level, but then to find out I’ll be carrying the flag, it’s a dream come true. I’m a bit nervous but there’s a lot of pride and I’m really looking forward to it. I want to represent Scotland to the best of my ability, put in a good performance and support my team mates all the way through the competition and just enjoy it.” 

Chris Purdie, Team Scotland Chef de Mission for Trinbago 2023, said: 

“To be named as flagbearer for Team Scotland is a fantastic honour and Niamh and Stefan’s selection is a direct reflection of their performances over the last few years and their attitude and commitment to fellow team members. They are both excellent role models and ambassadors for Team Scotland. 

“The Youth Games is a fabulous opportunity for all 49 of our young team members to embrace the Commonwealth Games experience and mix with fellow athletes from across the globe, as well as getting their first taste of international competition in a multi-sport Games. 

“I wish the whole of Team Scotland the very best of luck as they embark on what we hope will be their first of many Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland and the start of their journey to future international success.” 

The selection and announcement of the flagbearer is a longstanding tradition, and Niamh and Stefan will follow in the footsteps of Louise Carroll (hockey), Gemma Nicol (athletics), Lisa Glover (athletics) and Tom Holligan (athletics), Craig MacLean (swimming) and Lewis Johnstone (boxing) who carried the flag at the past Commonwealth Youth Games. 

The Opening Ceremony for the Trinbago 2023 Games takes place on Friday 4 August from 4-6pm local time (9-11pm UK).