Ockenden to carry flag at Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

The decorated career of Kookaburras co-captain Eddie Ockenden has another chapter after he was announced as one of Australia’s two flagbearers for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

35-year-old Ockenden, who will be competing at his fourth Commonwealth Games and aiming to win a fourth gold medal, was revealed along with six-time squash representative Rachael Grinham for the prestigious honour by Australian team Chef de Mission Petria Thomas.

It is only the second time Australia has had co-flagbearers at a Commonwealth Games – Ockenden and Grinham joining cycling twins Sal and Remo Sansonetti (Edmonton in 1978).

Ockenden, who is Australian hockey’s games record holder (392 international appearances), follows in the footsteps of former Kookaburras great Mark Knowles who carried the flag at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

A proud Tasmanian who loves playing hockey for his country, Ockenden was humbled by the honour.

“It’s hard to put into words. To be able to represent hockey like Knowlesy did last time in the Opening Ceremony is a huge buzz,” said Ockenden.

“You have a bit of imposter syndrome thinking am I worthy to lead such an amazing Australian team…they are the first things that cross your mind.”

“I’ve enjoyed watching other people carry the flag in previous Games, so it’s pretty cool that Rachael and I have the chance to do it.”

“I love representing Australia in hockey but I love the other sports as well and being able to continue on the tradition of the Commonwealth Games and represent the athletes is amazing.”

Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles congratulated Ockenden and said he was a fitting choice.

“Eddie epitomises the CGA values and brings these to his life both on and off the pitch on a daily basis,” said Pryles.

“Eddie is a great example of what Australians look for in someone to represent and inspire them. He holds respect through his words and actions and represents his country with pride and distinction every time he steps on the pitch.”

“This is fitting acknowledgement of Eddie’s contribution to the Kookaburras, the entire Hockey in Australia community and the Commonwealth Games.”

The announcement was made in the presence of their Excellencies Governor-General, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Linda Hurley in front of over 300 team members inside the Birmingham University Athletes Village.

“These decisions are not just based on how many Games they have been too – they have to be model athletes and both Eddie and Rachael certainly tick that box,” said Thomas.

"Although we don’t have team captains, they do become our unofficial team leaders so it is a great honour.

“These choices come with a lot of responsibility and I know we have chosen two fantastic athletes who have shown great commitment to the Commonwealth movement.”

The Opening Ceremony will be LIVE and exclusive on the Seven Network.

About Eddie Ockenden
Born in Hobart, Eddie becomes only the second Australian hockey player, alongside Mark Knowles, to go to four Commonwealth Games. He can also join Knowles as the sport’s only four-time gold medallist in Birmingham. Ockenden, who has played a record 392 games for Australia, started his Kookaburras career as a striker before moving to the midfield and now holding down a key defensive role. The four-time Olympian picked up a silver medal in Tokyo as well as bronze medals in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. He was named Tasmanian Athlete of the Year in 2010 and 2014. Before his Kookaburras debut in June 2006, Eddie worked at his local bakery in Hobart, as well as helping his father’s agricultural business on farms around Tasmania. He started playing hockey after following in the footsteps of his mother Angela who played for North-West Graduates Hockey Club.