“For me,it’s Cathy and seeing how she represented herself,how she represented her people and what she was able to do throughout her career,” Mills said. “As a proud Indigenous man I have a lot of things that are symbolic and have a lot of meaning to me. At the end of the day,it’s how it makes me feel as a competitior,and where I get my motivation from to achieve certain things.

“And the last thing is identity,it’s being able to showcase who you are throughout the world. For me,it’s one of those things that makes you proud of who you are. To be able to do it in a unifying way with the greater Australian team,I think this is what it’s all about. We’ve definitely come a long way. It’s special.”

Mills was pressed on whether the Boomers may take a knee,or whether they would make any symbolic gestures within the Rule 50 guidelines of the Games. He said it had yet to be discussed and all focus had been on getting their tournament started with a win against the impressive Nigerians.

“Those conversations haven’t been had,mate,” Mills said. “It’s one of those things,as a team sport there are always things you try to find to come together and bond. If that helps you compete,that’s what should be done.”

Mills will be the first Indigenous Australian to carry the flag while Campbell is the first female swimmer to be given the honour. She will not be required for a relay heat the following night,so can rest and recover in time for the first morning of finals.

Both are able to take an invited guest from the wider Australian group and Campbell has selected her long-time coach Simon Cusack,who has guided both her and sister Bronte to world and Olympic gold medals.

Around 50 Australia athletes are set to march on Friday night,although Chesterman said that could yet swell. There will be media and officials in the crowd but no spectators. It will make for a surreal moment for flag bearers and athletes of every nation but such is life at the COVID Games.