Patty Mills and Cate Campbell are set to make history later this month as the dual Australian flag bearers at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
For the first time in history, each nation will be represented by a man and a woman at the Opening Ceremony, while Mills is set to make history on his own by becoming the first indigenous athlete to fly the Aussie flag.
Campbell is also set to become the first Australian female swimmer to do the honours, setting up what will no doubt be a very memorable night on July 23 at the Japan National Stadium.
This time of year has us feeling a little nostalgic for days gone by, so here’s a look at some of the famous names to fly the southern cross over the last few decades.
2016 (Rio) – Anna Meares
Queenslander Anna Meares was the most recent Australian to fly the flag when she led some of our finest athletes out to the Maracana Stadium in Rio.
The Commonwealth and Olympic gold medallist went on to score a bronze medal in the women’s keirin before announcing her retirement later that year.
2012 (London) – Lauren Jackson
Three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson did the honours in London in 2012 before the Australian side went on to score a bronze medal in women’s basketball.
If you can get past the camcorders, Mr Bean and James Bond, be sure to peep a much younger Patty Mills.
*Watch the entire 2012 Opening Ceremony by clicking here*
2008 (Beijing) – James Tomkins
An absolute nostalgia trip.
Beijing set the bar to new heights in 2008 with a four-hour-long theatrical performance that also featured cameos from the likes of Roger Federer and the late, great Kobe Bryant.
For the Australians, rower and three-time Olympic gold medallist James Tomkins led the charge, much to the delight of an elated Kevin 07 standing in the crowd.
2004 (Athens) – Colin Beashel
Colin Beashel finally got his moment in 2004 when he led the Australians out at his sixth Olympic Games in Athens.
Beashel, who achieved a bronze medal in sailing in Atlanta in 1996 and captained the winning America’s Cup team in 1983, received a loud ovation from the fans at Olympic Stadium as the Australians went on to capture 17 gold medals.
2000 (Sydney) – Andrew Gaze
There’s nothing like a trip down memory lane.
From the horses forming the rings, right into Human Nature singing the anthem, Stadium Australia was alight in 2000 just in time for five-time Olympian Andrew Gaze to take center stage.
Gazey’s raw emotion was written right across his face in what he describes as the proudest moment of his professional career.
Australia went on to capture 16 gold medals in Sydney, with Ian Thorpe emerging as a future force after dominating the men’s 400m freestyle.
1996 (Atlanta) – Andrew Hoy
Andrew Hoy led out 417 of Australia’s finest in Atlanta on his way to his second gold medal in equestrian.
Some might not know, but Hoy has competed in more Olympiads than any other Australian athlete as he now sets his sights on Tokyo.
1992 (Barcelona) – Jenny Donnet
Jenny Donnet is synonymous with diving after becoming the first woman to represent Australia in four Olympic Games.
The two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist was the Australian captain and the flagbearer in 1992, although Australia’s horrible outfits were reflective of their eventual performance.
1988 (Seoul) – Ric Charlesworth
Donning the Akubras, the Australians were led out by Kookaburras legend Ric Charlesworth in what would be his fifth and final Olympic Games in South Korea.
The men’s field hockey team failed to secure a bronze medal in a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, although the women’s team did take home gold with a 2-0 shutout over the hosts.
1984 (Los Angeles) – Wayne Roycroft
“And boy do they look typical.”
Two-time equestrian bronze medallist Wayne Roycroft did the honours in LA in 1984 as the Australians took to the Coliseum rocking the short white sleeves and khaki shorts.
Men’s marathon favourite Rob de Castella and his glorious mo grabbed plenty of attention on American TV as Australia went on to secure four gold medals.
1980 (Moscow) – Denise Robertson-Boyd & Max Metzker
Two-time Commonwealth gold medallist Denise Boyd and Olympic freestyler Max Metzker both represented Australia in 1980 – an important year for the Olympics with many nations protesting Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan.
After flying the flag in a beautiful green and gold blazer, Metzker went on to claim a bronze medal in the men’s 1500m freestyle.
1976 (Montreal) – Raelene Boyle
Raelene Boyle is one of Australia’s most decorated sprinters after claiming three Olympic silver medals in Mexico City and Munich.
She was the first Australian woman to fly the flag in Montreal in 1976 before finishing fourth in the 100m sprint final.
Overall, this was a rather forgettable year as the Australians failed to capture a single gold medal.
1972 (Munich) – Dennis Green
1972 was a real vibe.
Green blazers for the boys, gold dresses for the girls, and some kind of weird half march that not everyone was willing to participate in.
Kayaker Dennis Green flew the flag for the Australians in what was his fifth and final Olympic Games.
Australia dominated in the pool to win six gold medals, while the men’s sailing teams added a couple more for good measure.