Brent Lakatos’ schedule just got a little busier.
The wheelchair racing star has been chosen to be Canada’s flag bearer during the closing ceremony at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
The Quebec native secured the country four silver medals during his fifth Paralympics. Owning a total of 11 Paralympic medals he has become Canada’s most decorated Paralympian.
“I think the coolest part is my parents are going to be watching this back home and they are going to be so proud,” said Lakatos. “That’s what I’ll be thinking of when I’m walking into the stadium with the flag bearers, the smile that will be on my parents’ faces.”
The 41-year-old nearly retired once after the 2008 Beijing Games, and with Paris three years away Lakatos’ future in the Paralympics is uncertain.
“It’s only three years away,” said Lakatos to Sportsnet. “I’m not young. But I’m also not slowing down, I’m still improving, I was still able to get personal bests in these Games.”
For now, Lakatos still has a shot to add to his medal collection before the closing ceremonies, Saturday night during the T54 marathon.
It was Lakatos and swimmer Aurélie Rivard who have won nearly half of Canada’s medals so far in Tokyo 2020. The pair combined for nine of the 20 podium places; It was Rivard who was chosen as Canada’s 2016 flag for the closing ceremony.
“I am so thrilled and proud to have Brent representing Canada as our Closing Ceremony flag bearer,” said Stephanie Dixon, Paralympic chef de mission. “Brent is truly a phenomenal athlete and leader, and he has shown so much over the past 10 days in Tokyo just how versatile, driven, and exemplary an athlete he is.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating the incredible accomplishments of Brent and the entire team at the Closing Ceremony.”