Who Are the 2026 Team GB Flagbearers, Fear and Hall?

Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson will represent Team GB in the figure skating ice dance and team events at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Their participation is highlighted by Fear being named one of the flagbearers for the opening ceremony, alongside bobsledder Brad Hall.

Last updated: 02 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the countdown to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approaches, Team GB has announced its flagbearers for the opening ceremony. Lilah Fear, a figure skater competing in ice dance, and bobsledder Brad Hall will carry the British flag during the ceremonies taking place on 6 February 2026. Fear will represent Team GB in Milan, where the figure skating events will be held, while Hall will carry the flag in Cortina, closer to the bobsleigh competitions. This year marks a historic moment for both athletes, as they embody the spirit of Team GB during the prestigious event.

Key takeaways

Lilah Fear will carry the flag at the opening ceremony in Milan.
Brad Hall will represent Team GB in Cortina.
Fear is the first British ice dancer to bear the flag since Christopher Dean in 1984.
Both athletes are competing in events while fulfilling their flag-bearing duties.
Hall is the most successful British bobsled pilot with 30 World Cup medals.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to this moment has seen significant milestones for both Lilah Fear and Brad Hall:

6 February 2026: Opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
2025: Fear and Gibson win World Championship bronze, reigniting hopes for Olympic success.
1984: Christopher Dean carries the flag for Team GB at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics.
1956: Stuart Parkinson carries the flag for Team GB at the Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of Fear and Hall as flagbearers was made by Team GB chef de mission Eve Muirhead. Both athletes expressed their surprise and excitement at being chosen for this honour, with Fear stating she was overwhelmed with emotion upon receiving the news.

What was already established

Fear and Gibson have been building momentum in figure skating, with their recent World Championship performance positioning them as potential medal contenders. Hall, on the other hand, is well-established in the bobsleigh scene, boasting a record number of World Cup medals.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The participation of athletes like Fear and Hall can inspire increased interest in winter sports in the UK, potentially leading to a boost in participation rates among young people. This can also stimulate local economies through increased attendance at winter sports events and merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

Increased attention to winter sports may lead to growth in the winter sports sector, including coaching, training facilities, and retail. Local businesses in Milan and Cortina are likely to benefit significantly from the influx of tourists and sports enthusiasts during the Olympics.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may look into supporting winter sports initiatives following the Olympics, promoting grassroots participation and professional training programmes. Additionally, upcoming consultations could address funding for winter sports development.

Numbers that matter

30: The number of World Cup medals held by Brad Hall, making him the most successful British bobsled pilot.
2: The number of flagbearers for Team GB at the opening ceremony—Lilah Fear and Brad Hall.
1: The first British ice dancer to bear the flag since Christopher Dean in 1984.
10: Approximate number of hours between Fear's competition and the opening ceremony.
4: The number of Olympic medals won by Torvill and Dean, underscoring the legacy Fear aims to build upon.

Definitions and jargon buster

Flagbearer: An athlete selected to carry the national flag during the Olympic opening ceremony.
Milan-Cortina 2026: The official name for the 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
Team GB: The British Olympic Association, representing Great Britain in the Olympics.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the opening ceremony approaches, both athletes will focus on their training regimens while managing the logistical challenges of competing and serving as flagbearers. Expect increased media coverage on their performances and preparation.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Olympics, the focus will shift to the athletes’ performances and the potential for Team GB to achieve its first Olympic figure skating medal since 1994. Additionally, ongoing support for winter sports development may emerge as a post-Olympic legacy.

Signals to watch

Performance results from the figure skating team event.
Brad Hall’s performance in both two-man and four-man bobsleigh competitions.
Public interest in winter sports following the Olympics and any initiatives launched by Team GB.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on Team GB’s progress during the Winter Olympics.
Engage with local winter sports clubs to support grassroots participation.
Follow both athletes on social media for personal insights and updates.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of the Olympics on inspiring youth participation in sports.
Miss out on opportunities to attend local events celebrating winter sports.
Ignore the legacy potential of these Games for future athletes.

Checklist

Know the schedule for figure skating and bobsleigh events.
Follow Team GB’s official channels for updates and news.
Consider supporting local winter sports initiatives.
Engage with the Olympic community through events and discussions.
Share news and updates about Team GB’s journey on social media.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the excitement surrounding the Winter Olympics is palpable, uncertainties remain regarding the performance of the athletes and how the split ceremonies will affect Team GB's unity. Potential logistical challenges may arise during the events, particularly for Fear as she balances her role as a flagbearer and competitor. Additionally, the long-term impact of these Games on winter sports in the UK remains to be seen, with various factors influencing participation rates and funding.

Bottom line

The selection of Lilah Fear and Brad Hall as flagbearers for Team GB at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics highlights a significant moment for British winter sports. Their participation not only embodies the spirit of British athletics but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. As fans await the opening ceremony, the focus will remain on their performances and the potential for Team GB to achieve Olympic success.

FAQs

Who are the flagbearers for Team GB at the Milan-Cortina 2026 opening ceremony?

Lilah Fear and Brad Hall will serve as the flagbearers for Team GB during the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

What events will Lilah Fear compete in?

Lilah Fear will compete in the figure skating ice dance and team events alongside her partner Lewis Gibson at the Winter Olympics.

What is Brad Hall's background in bobsleigh?

Brad Hall is the most successful men's bobsled pilot in British history, holding 30 World Cup medals and competing in his third Olympics at Milan-Cortina 2026.