Ronald Forbes has been announced as the Cayman Islands flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Forbes will be making his third Olympic appearance competing in the 110 m hurdles on Aug. 15., says “it’s a great honor” to lead the Cayman Islands delegation for the second time.

Having competed in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, Forbes was also the flag bearer at the games in Beijing (2008).

Forbes who was chosen by the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee (CIOC) says, “It’s an honor to carry the nations flag, not only for what it represents but for who it represents and that’s something I take with great responsibility and great pride.”

Donald McLean, CIOC President says “Ronald is an epitome of the Olympic movement. His training, preparation and commitment is amazing. This is his third Olympics in athletics, which is a difficult discipline. He is a veteran, a senior member of the team and deserves to be a leader and carry the flag.”

The 31-year-old is still breaking national records, his latest national best was in the 110-meter hurdles at the NTC Star Sprint Series in Clermont, Florida, back on April 30. Forbes recorded a PR of 13.36 to earn a spot in Rio.

Forbes started his track and field career in 1999 in the shot-put and discus disciplines. In 2000 his interest switched to the sprint 110m hurdles and the 400 hurdles in summer 2002. Forbes has since continued to represent the Cayman Islands many international Games.

Forbes also owns the Florida International University (FIU) record with a time of 13.63 in the 110-meter hurdles which he set at the 2008 NCAA National Championships.

At the end of his 2012 season, the Cayman Islands awarded him the “Man of Honour” for his efforts on the track, his community summer program and youth development mentoring.

The 2016 Olympic Games will take place from Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first Olympic Games to be held in South America.
For more information and photos of Team Cayman at the 2016 Olympic Games, follow the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee on Facebook.