One of the greatest honours for any Commonwealth Games and Youth Games team member is to be selected by fellow athletes to carry the saltire at the Games Opening Ceremony. This year in the Isle of Man will be no exception and following a nomination process by the sports the following three athletes were shortlisted and voted on at the Team Camp. All three athletes have achieved significant success in their chosen sports and also have strong personal qualities making them excellent role models.

Tom Holligan – Athletics
Tom represented Team GB at the 2011 European Youth Olympic Festival winning gold in the 200m in a new personal best time and helping the men’s 4x100m relay team to win the silver medal.

Grant Ferguson – Cycling
2011 European Mountain Bike Cross Country Championships 2nd and European Road Race Championships 12th. Selected to represent GB at the 2011 Mountain Bike Cross Country World Championships in September.

Craig Benson – Swimming
2011 European Junior Swimming Championships, 100m breaststroke, silver. 2011 ASA Youth Champion for 100m and 200m breaststroke. British & Scottish record holder for U17. Selected to represent GB at the World Junior Championships in August.

All will be revealed on 8 September when Shona Robison MSP, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport will announce the winner.

That evening, the selected athlete will follow in the footsteps of Louise Carroll (Hockey), Gemma Nicol (Athletics) and Lisa Glover (Athletics) who carried the flag at the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games.