Bobsleigh star Alexander Zubkov was picked as the flag bearer of the Russian Olympic team after weeks of rumours and media buzz.

      Zubkov, 39, said it was a pleasure to know that you lead the country.

      Born in Bratsk, in the midst of Siberia, the athlete took up bobsleigh at the age of ten and went all the way to become the world champion and four-time European champion. He won silver at the 2006 Torino Games and bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games.