Hamish Carter flagbearer at opening ceremony

Hamish Carter

MELBOURNE - Olympic triathlon champion Hamish Carter will have the honour of carrying the New Zealand flag in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony tomorrow.

Carter, 34, was a popular choice for the role, judging by the rousing reception he was given by the 249-strong team he will head for the duration of the Games.

His appointment was given a rousing cheer when chef de mission Dave Currie announced it at the official team function at Moonee Valley racecourse tonight.

Carter finished third at the Manchester Commonwealth Games four years ago, after crushing failure at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

In the heat of Athens he won a dramatic shoot out with teammate Bevan Docherty to claim a coveted Olympic gold.

Carter was a popular member of the New Zealand team in Athens, cheerleading at other events after his own stint atop the podium.

He was given the honour of leading New Zealand into the Melbourne Cricket Ground by Currie, who said the task was more important than simply carrying the flag.

Currie had said he was looking for "someone who clearly demonstrates that which we're looking for in athletes, that imbues all those qualities we hope for," he said.

Being flagbearer was a leadership role which drew the team together, Currie said.

"It is likely to be somebody who has experienced the highs and lows, who has been to the depths of it somewhere, but has also performed well as well," he said before making the announcement.

Carter is the first triathlete to carry the flag, breaking three consecutive Games where cyclists spearheaded the New Zealand team.

Olympic golden girl Sarah Ulmer did the job in Manchester four years ago, road cyclist Graeme Miller in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, and his arch-rival Brian Fowler in Victoria in 1994.

Carter told the function he was more nervous with the honour than he would be when he contested the Games triathlon.

"At least when I race on Saturday I will know what I'm in for, he said.

"This is a huge honour for me. As a young boy I watched teams march into opening ceremonies at Olympic and Commonwealth Games -- watched people like John Walker, who inspired me to be what I am.

"It's the highlight of my career."

He told the team they were in Melbourne to compete, and to surpass what they thought possible.

"The only thing I can say is, no matter how hard it gets, how good the competition is, never give up.

"The New Zealand attitude, the New Zealand spirit is so strong, and everyone in this room has it. To come to New Zealand and run for your country is the biggest honour.

"No matter how scared you get, how hard it gets, never give up, fight to the death, and good luck."

- NZPA