The flag bearer's identity has been protected like a stage secret in China, where media have speculated that hurdles gold medalist Liu Xiang or world champion distance swimmer Sun Yang could be handed the honor for Friday's opening ceremony.

In London on Wednesday, Xiao Tian, deputy head of the Chinese delegation, announced it would be basketball player Yi Jianlian.

Yi, 24, began his NBA journey back in 2007 and played for the Washington Wizards, before he returned to China amid the NBA lock-out.

Source: SNTV

Editor: Yao Yuzhi (Intern)

Voiceover: Chris Clark

Producer: Flora Yue