Paralympics: Gold Medallists David Weir And Sarah Storey Will Be Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearers

Quadruple Gold Medallists David Weir And Sarah Storey Will Be Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearers

Quadruple gold medal winners David Weir and Sarah Storey will be flag-bearers for Sunday's closing ceremony, organisers said on Sunday.

Wheelchair racing legend Weir - nicknamed The Weirwolf - was awarded the honour for his heroics in the 800m, 1500m and 5000m - coming just hours after his marathon win.

Sarah Storey - who also bagged gold in four events - has been recognised for her triumphs in the individual pursuit and 500m time trial in the velodrome.

Cyclist Sarah Storey will be one of the GB flagbearers

She made it a four gold haul at Brands Hatch by storming to victory in the Time Trial and Road Race.

The move to appoint two to carry the Union Flag is a break from protocol, which normally sees one person bestowed with the honour.

Chef de mission Craig Hunter said: "During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, ParalympicsGB has witnessed some outstanding performances, and most notably from Sarah Storey and David Weir.

He added: "These athletes represent the spirit of Paralympic athleticism."

Wheelchair racer Weir has lit up the Olympic Stadium over the last 10 days by cementing himself as one of the greatest of all time.

He capped off a stunning 11 days by winning ParalympicsGB's final gold of the games in today's gruelling marathon.

An exhausted but ecstatic Weir said after today's race he was so tired he felt as though he "was going to die."

The 33-year-old Londoner has a career haul of six gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

He said was a "great honour" to carry the flag, adding that it was "even more special" to do so in front of a home crowd.

Storey has 11 career golds, making Mancunian Storey - a former swimmer who switched to cycling in 2005 - Britain's most decorated female Paralympian.

With eight silver medals and three bronze in a 20-year career she surpassed former wheelchair racer Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson's collection of 11 golds, four silvers and one bronze.

"I'm amazed at the news, I never expected it," said Storey, 34.

"I've not been to a Paralympic ceremony since Athens and can't wait to see the stadium tonight. It's a huge honour and it should be a very exciting night."

ParalympicsGB has excelled during the games, beating their medal target of 103 in front of sell-out crowds and unprecedented TV audiences.

Weir's gold - followed by Shelly Woods' silver in the women's marathon - saw Great Britain finish third in the table with a medal tally of 120 - including 34 gold, 43 silver and 43 bronze.

The Games will come to a close later with an "unusual setlist" from British band Coldplay, who will top the bill of a spectacular closing ceremony.

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