TEAM: Described by teammates as “awesome” and the perfect man for the job, 26-year-old Alex “Chumpy” Pullin is preparing to carry the flag at the Sochi Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Snowboarding teammate and friend Nate Johnstone said he couldn’t wait to share the night with Pullin.

“He’s had an extremely good last couple of years so I think he really deserves to be the flagbearer for Australia and it’s awesome because he’s a good mate of ours and it will be awesome to seeing him waving the flag and representing our country,” he said.

“I’m super happy for him and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to go to the Opening Ceremony and share that night with him.”

Fellow snowboarder Cam Bolton said Pullin’s success on the slopes since the Vancouver Olympics made him the perfect person for the honour. 

“I think it’s amazing that ‘Chumpy’ got named flagbearer. I couldn’t be more excited for him. It’s a big honour and I think he’s the perfect fit for it,” he said.

“His last four years have been unbelievable. He’s worked really hard and he’s earned everything that he has achieved and I think for that reason he’s a really good fit for bearer of the flag.”

Bolton said he couldn’t be more rapt.

“I’m excited because he’s a teammate of mine yes, but more because he’s a good friend,” he said.

Hearing a snowboarder was going to carry the flag at Sochi left Kent Callister feeling ecstatic.

“I think it’s awesome. ‘Chumpy’ is a great athlete. He’s had some really good podium finishes and he’s just a good man for the flagbearer,” he said.

“A snowboarder representing with the flag, it will be good and I think Chumpy’s the perfect person.”

Hearing a few whispers of who it may be, Snowboard Cross competitor Belle Brockhoff said she had hoped it would be Pullin.

“He deserves it. He’s had all these amazing results over the last four years, really outstanding results and I can’t think of anyone else that would be better,” she said.