The 26-year-old won the gold medal in the women’s T42 100 metres event at last year’s International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships in Doha, becoming the first athlete in her classification to run under 15 seconds.

Caironi, considered one of her country’s leading Paralympic athletes, also won the silver medal in the long jump competition in the Qatari capital.

The Italian enjoyed a dominant 2015, setting six world records - three over 100m and three over 200m - and remains the favourite to defend her Paralympic title at this year’s Games.

She burst onto the scene with a gold medal at London 2012 in the 100m race on her debut in the Paralympic Games. 

Oscar de Pellegrin, a double Paralympic archery gold medallist was the Flagbearer for the nation at London 2012.

Caironi said she is is delighted to have been selected to carry Italy's flag in the Opening Ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium on September 7. 

“Italian Paralympic President Luca Pancalli called me the other day to announce me the big news while I was driving to the beach,” Caironi  said.

“I thought I was dreaming.

“I couldn't believe it because I don't have a long career as well as Oscar De Pellegrin had.

“I have been competing for six years only.

“I am extremely glad to have this honour and as an athlete I am even more happy because Italian para-athletics has been growing a lot lately.

“I am overexcited today, and cannot even think of being in Rio carrying the flag with all the Italian team following behind.”