Maxim Trankov to carry Russian flag at Sochi closing ceremony

Sochi double Olympic champion Maxim Trankov has been chosen to carry the Russian Federation flag for the closing ceremony of the Winter Games today.

The 30-year-old, who won gold in the pairs figure skating and the team figure skating alongside partner Tatiana Volosozhar, was lauded by Alexander Zhukov, the president of the Russian Olympic Committee, for having been given the honour.

"It's athletes who choose [the flag bearer]. Trankov is an amazing athlete." Zhukov told reporters.

The ceremony, which will see skeleton gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold carry the flag for Great Britain, will begin at 4:14pm GMT and will take place at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.