Choosing the Flag Bearers for Torino 2019 Medal Ceremonies
The official Torino 2019 website brings together the Senior and Junior competitions of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, held at Turin’s Palavela arena from 5–8 December 2019. Alongside results, practice details, ticketing, seating and the exhibition gala, the event presents the human moments that give a championship its character. Choosing the flag bearer for a medal ceremony is one of them: a visible expression of national pride built on a carefully managed sporting decision.
The choice matters because the flag bearer represents more than a country on the winners’ podium. It marks a medal earned under pressure, rewards service and leadership, and gives the audience a person to follow during the presentation and celebratory lap. At a Grand Prix Final, the basic sequence is clear even when federation arrangements differ: identify eligible medallists, establish the selection method, confirm the representative and brief them for the ceremony.
The role behind the flag
The flag bearer’s duty is to carry the national flag with appropriate ceremony and remain ready for photographs, presentations and the medalists’ celebration. In men’s and ladies’ singles, one athlete usually takes the flag alone. In pairs and ice dance, the two partners commonly carry it together, turning a shared result into a shared image for the audience.
That distinction shapes the selection from the outset. A singles athlete is an individual entrant, while a pair or dance team represents a partnership with two equally visible medallists. The ceremony must recognise the achievement without separating partners who earned their medals together. Any draw or appointment therefore needs to account for whether one flag or two flags will be carried.
For athletes, the honour carries obligations as well as visibility. A representative must arrive at the correct time, follow presentation instructions and handle the flag without obstructing officials, cameras or other medallists. The relevant national federation and event protocol determine the precise requirements.
Who can put a name forward
Selection normally starts with the national governing body rather than with individual social-media campaigns. Ice Skating Australia, for example, is the appropriate national contact for Australian athletes, while the delegation leader and the event’s sporting officials provide the final coordination for participation in the ceremony.
A candidate may come from the medallists’ group, an earlier national team or a federation leadership decision, depending on the applicable rules. Some delegations ask team members to express their willingness before the event. That step allows the federation to confirm availability, travel arrangements and whether the athlete can attend the relevant presentation without compromising competition or training schedules.
Public support should not be confused with a formal ballot. Supporters may discuss possible representatives, but an online poll counts only when the official procedure expressly provides for one. In the absence of a published voting process, the authority rests with the federation’s agreed method and the event’s protocol.
Turning nominations into a shortlist
The shortlist normally contains eligible medallists from the relevant country or delegation. Where several team members have earned medals, the federation may consider the consistency of their results, previous experience carrying the flag and their willingness to represent the team. If every candidate is equally qualified, a draw may offer the clearest way to avoid favouritism.
For singles events, officials can conduct a witnessed draw among the medallists. The athlete selected accepts the responsibility on behalf of the delegation, and the federation provides the necessary confirmation. Where a delegation has already appointed someone, that appointment should follow the published rules and be communicated before the ceremony.
The shortlist stage also resolves practical questions. An athlete might need to return to the changing area, complete media duties or remain with teammates. The organisers must establish who receives the flag, when it is delivered and who handles it if weather, transport or a schedule change disrupts the normal sequence.
Final approval and rehearsal
Once a representative has been chosen, the federation confirms the appointment to the event’s officials. This is the point where the ceremonial selection becomes an operational responsibility. The athlete receives a call time, venue location and briefing, while coaches and delegation leaders receive details about accreditation, uniform standards and the presentation order.
The official event schedule provides the competition times that determine when a flag bearer must be ready, while team briefings supply the finer operational details. Practice-session information also matters because an athlete selected after a competition may have limited time to collect equipment or return to the arena. Clear communication prevents a last-minute appointment from becoming a missed appearance.
Rehearsals, where scheduled, cover flag handling, positioning for photographers and the transition from the presentation to the celebration. Volunteers help guide athletes and coordinate movement through the arena, while awards personnel check the running order. A well-briefed flag bearer can focus on the occasion rather than searching for an entrance or wondering when the flag must be returned.
How Australian supporters can follow the choice
Australian supporters bring a useful perspective on this sporting ritual. Figure skating has active club networks in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, with Ice Skating Australia providing the national framework. Sydney’s Olympic Park tradition also makes an Australian flag in an arena an instantly familiar sight. National customs such as Australia Day on 26 January and ANZAC Day on 25 April carry particular weight, even though they are separate from the medal ceremony itself.
Local market conditions shape how overseas events are watched and attended. International ticket listings may be converted into Australian dollars, with card fees and exchange rates affecting the final price. Melbourne’s winter-sport community, Canberra’s skating clubs and Sydney supporters are also accustomed to comparing arena packages, sports merchandise and hospitality options. For live viewing, the time difference matters: Turin observes Central European Time, placing it roughly nine to ten hours behind much of Australia during December.
These practical steps help supporters follow the selection and enjoy the event:
- Check the relevant national federation for official announcements, eligibility rules and appointment confirmations.
- Verify the method before treating a favoured athlete or an online poll as the final decision.
- Compare the ceremony timing with Australian viewing hours, particularly for morning sessions.
- Respect the process by avoiding claims that a draw, vote or delegation agreement occurred without confirmation.
- Explore the official programme, including results, ticketing, seating, volunteer registration and exhibition-gala information.
The competitive format also affects who represents the nation:
| Competitive format | Usual flag arrangement | What the selection must preserve |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s and ladies’ singles | One medallist represents the nation | Fair treatment of eligible medallists and confirmed attendance |
| Pairs | Both partners may carry the flag together | Joint representation and an agreed presentation order |
| Ice dance | The partnership normally carries the flag together | Shared credit and coordinated flag handling |
| Delegation support | A separate representative may assist with flags when protocol requires | Clear authority and communication with the team |
Follow the official Torino 2019 updates, review the results and plan your Palavela experience. Whether watching from Australia or attending in Turin, celebrate the athletes who earned their medals and the representatives chosen to carry their national flag.