Rafael Nadal will carry the flag for the Spanish Olympic team at the 2012 London Olympic Games. He was chosen Wednesday by the Spanish Olympic Committee to lead the team at the opening ceremony on July 27th, 2012.

“For me the chance to carry the flag representing all the Spanish athletes in London is a true honor,” Nadal said in a statement. “I think carrying the flag will be one of the most moving moments of my entire career.”

Nadal will defend his gold medal in singles from the 2008 Beijing Games and participate in doubles with Marcel Granollers.

These will be his third Olympics.