When Alex Marshall stepped out of the elevator at the Commonwealth Games Village, he was met with a surprise that left him reaching for a tissue. There stood a crowd of athletes, waiting to congratulate the 59-year-old bowler on a news he'd only just learned himself: he would carry Scotland's flag at the opening ceremony.
"It's not very often I get a bit emotional, but I certainly had a tear in my eye," Marshall told BBC Scotland.
Marshall, from East Lothian, will lead Scotland's team into the ceremony alongside judo champion Sarah Adlington. For the veteran bowler, the honor is extra special because his niece, Beth Riva, is also on the bowls team heading to the Games. "It just adds to what will be an especially special Games," Marshall said.
Adlington, 39, found out the news weeks ago but had to keep it under wraps until the official announcement. "That was really hard," she told BBC Sport Scotland. "I was told I could tell my nearest and dearest but for everyone else it will be a massive surprise." The heavyweight judo fighter, who won gold medals in 2014 and 2022, says she's barely slept since waking up nervous on Wednesday. "I might not even sleep tonight," she joked, "but if it's even half as good as it was in 2014, it will be amazing."
As for who gets first dibs on the flag when they march out together, Marshall was quick with a playful answer. "I'd win that fight," he said with a laugh, clutching the flagstick like a child holds a favorite toy.
For both athletes, being chosen to represent Scotland at the ceremony is a career milestone. Marshall, one of the most decorated bowls players in the sport's history, continues to compete at the highest level well into his fifties. Adlington, who hopes to finish her career by winning a third consecutive gold, embodies the dedication that Commonwealth Games athletes are known for.
When the opening ceremony lights dim and the athletes march into the stadium, two of Scotland's finest will carry their nation's colors forward — one a legendary bowler sharing the moment with family, the other a judo champion chasing one final dream.
"It's just a huge honour," Marshall said. And from the looks of it, that feeling will only grow as the Games begin.