Britney flies flag in Tokyo

Britney will compete in the 73kg Powerlifting category on Sunday, August 29.

Published: Tue 24 Aug 2021, 1:14 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Aug 2021, 2:52 PM

Cavan athlete Britney Arendse was flying high in Tokyo when selected to carry the flag at the 2020 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony earlier this morning, Tuesday, August 24.

The 21-year-old powerlifter shared the honour of flagbearer with fellow first-time Irish paralympian, high-jumper Jordan Lee yesterday morning Irish time.

A total of 4,521 athletes are set to compete at the Tokyo Games over the next fortnight, and Britney will carry a weight of expectation and the best wishes of all at home when taking to the arena in the 73kg lifting category on Sunday, August 29.

Flag Bearer Announcement

Proud to announce Jordan Lee (Para Athletics) and Britney Arendse (Para Powerlifting) as the #TeamIreland Flag Bearer for the #Tokyo2020 Paralympic Games

A proud moment for the two young athletes at their first Paralympic Games.#TheNextLevel pic.twitter.com/p1wvTYjnWz
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) August 23, 2021

The young Powerlifting star has continued to make her mark in the sport ever since switching from wheelchair basketball and then smashing her own Junior World Record with a lift of 100kg in 2019.

"This is a great honour and I know that my parents and all my neighbours and friends will be delighted when they hear the news," said Britney.