The 17-year-old, whose grandfather Mike, also a show jumper, competed at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, is a member of the British Equestrian Federation's World Class Development Programme and considered one of the country's most promising riders.

He has won medals at consecutive Junior European Championships, picking up a team bronze in 2012, before going one better last year with a team silver.

He is also a keen rugby player and was a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy until the age of the 15.

"I never expected it at all because there are so many great athletes here so it was a great surprise and I feel very honoured and privileged to be voted by my fellow teammates and friends and it just feels great," said Saywell, Britain's only equestrian participant in Nanjing. 

"It has been a great start and how everything has been set up is great and you can't fault a thing, and this makes it even better.

"Equestrian isn't the biggest sport here but it just shows that everyone is noticing it now and we have had some very good results in the last Olympics and Europeans so the only way is up.

"This has given me a big boost now and I just can't wait to get going."

Jake Saywell competing at the Junior European Championships earlier this year ©Twitter



Saywell will lead a 33-strong British team across all sports into the Jiangning Sports Centre for the Opening Ceremony, before the team look to build upon the three golds and nine medals they won four years ago at the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore. 

Winners in Singapore included taekwondo star Jade Jones and gymnast Sam Oldham, who went on to win gold and bronze medals respectively at London 2012 two years later.

The announcement of Saywell to lead the charge for a repeat performance as Flagbearer was made by British Chef de Mission Sarah Winckless at a reception hosted by the British Consul in the host city.

Wrinkless, a former rower who won a double sculls bronze at Athens 2004, is confident Saywell has what it takes to become a future champion.

"As an athlete it is a huge honour to be selected as Flag bearer for your country and even more special when you are voted for by your fellow athletes," she said.

"Jake is a talented athlete, not only has he exceled in the sport of equestrian but he is also a keen rugby player which saw him a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy.

"The Youth Olympic Games is an event still in its infancy but one that I believe gives young athletes like Jake an incredibly opportunity to compete against the best athletes in their age group from around the world.

"Crucially it also enables them to learn more about the Olympic movement and the Olympic Values of excellence, friendship and respect.

"I have no doubt that Jake will carry the Union Flag with pride and do everyone here at Team GB proud."

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