Sir Chris Hoy will carry the flag for Team GB during the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the British Olympic Association have confirmed.

The 36 year old track cyclist will compete in his fourth Olympic Games this summer having won four gold medals, including three in Beijing in 2008.

Hoy, who was the flag bearer at the closing ceremony in China, will defend two of his three titles in London and says he can't wait for the once in a lifetime opportunity.

Sir Chris Hoy
Hoy is a four-time Olympic champion.

"I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to have been voted as the flag bearer for Team GB," Hoy said.

"To lead out your team at a home Olympics is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that that I can't wait to experience in just a few days time."

Team GB's Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: "Team GB could not have placed the flag in better hands. It is a great honour for Sir Chris and the team will be proud to march behind him. He is a fantastic ambassador for his sport and his country."

The Scot follows Mark Foster, Kate Hoey and Sir Steve Redgrave in carrying the flag duirng the opening ceremony after a vote by the 31 team leaders.

Each representative was asked to submit a three-name shortlist, with the nine most popular placed on a long list for an athlete from each sport to then vote on.

Hoy emerged as the overwhelming victor following the voting process, beating off competition from diver Tom Daley, hepthalete Jessica Ennis and marathon runner Paula Radcliffe.

Due to the competition schedule around the opening ceremony, a number of athletes and potential contenders to carry the flag have opted out of attending event on Friday, including double gold medallist from Beijing Rebecca Adlington, three-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie and the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips.

Despite selecting the largest team for the Games, many athletes are expected to be absent from the opening ceremony with the cycling road race, the opening round of the tennis competition and the rowing preliminary rounds dominating the schedule over the first weekend.

China Gold London