IMAGE|| Michael Willson

Multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallist and four-time Olympian, Mark Knowles, has been named as the Australian flag bearer of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Team.

The 33-year-old, competing in his fourth Commonwealth Games, has enjoyed a decorated career to date, winning a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics along with bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics.

The long serving Captain of the Kookaburras is also a two-time World Cup winner (2010 and 2014), four-time Champions Trophy winner (2005, 2008, 2009 and 2012), former FIH World Player of the Year (2014) and former FIH Young Player of the Year (2007).

The Rockhampton-raised Kookaburra debuted for Australia in January 2004 and is one of only six Kookaburras to reach 300 caps. He is currently on 312 caps having scored 29 goals, bringing numerous highlights along the journey.

Australian Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti doesn’t undervalue the role of a Flag Bearer;

“The flag-bearer is the unofficial Captain of the team. The position requires qualities far greater than carrying a flag – it is about leadership, integrity and their support for Commonwealth Games.”

“He encapsulates what Australians love about their sport stars,” he added.

Australia will field its largest ever team in Commonwealth Games history – 473 athletes competing across 20 sports – many Team AUS competitors will be seeking to win one or more of the 825 medals on offer, while others will be at least hoping they can leave the Gold Coast with a personal best performance.

Carrara Stadium will be the centre stage for glamour and entertainment as the venue for the Opening Ceremony – which will mark the beginning of the biggest event Australia has seen this decade, and the largest sporting event the Gold Coast has ever hosted. The Ceremony will showcase our culture, colour, unity and diversity and will epitomise the spirit of our great nation.