Although Seguin (pictured above) won a gold medal at Athens in 2004 and silver at Beijing 2008, he has never previously been involved in an Opening Ceremony.

The 32-year-old, who won the world title this year, was born without a left hand and will be travelling to Weymouth on August 19, a week and a half before the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics on August 29.

With London marking his third appearance, the French National Paralympic Committee decided to bestow the privilege on him to carry the flag.

The 2.4mR keelboat sailor said he was honoured by the decision.

"It was a shame for me in Athens," Seguin told paralympic.org.

"I was sailing just after the Ceremony, so I didn't do the Opening Ceremony.

"In Beijing, I was far away in the sailing venue, which was far away from Beijing.

"I think a sportsman is recognised with medals, but when we carry the flag of our country, it's a great honour to be recognised not only as a sportsman but as a man."


Seguin will, like in Beijing, be far away from the Olympic Stadium and the heart of the Games for his event.

The Paralympic sailing takes place in Weymouth and Portland, and he is hoping to reclaim the gold medal.

Seguin is unconcerned about the prospect of poor weather, despite an unseasonably wet summer in Britain which shows no sign of letting up anytime soon.

"We expect bad weather in September, but maybe we will have sun," he said.

"It's not a problem.

"Everybody knows that we expect some winds, and everybody is ready for that."

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