Alex Pullin chosen as Australia's flag bearer

Snowboarder Alex Pullin has been chosen to carry the Australian flag at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The 26-year-old, a two-time gold medallist at the FIS world championships, will lead out his 60 countrymen at the opening ceremony in Russia on Friday.

I'm gonna wave this flag really high with a big smile on my face! @chumpypullin pic.twitter.com/etrp8WvOpV

— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) February 6, 2014

He is one of Australia's top medal hopes in the men's snowboard cross, but was still considered a surprise selection ahead of four-time Olympian and reigning aerial freestyle skiing champion Lydia Lasilla.

Pullin, who was eliminated in the first round of his event in Vancouver 2010, has dismissed fears over security at the Games.