Defending triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee has been named as Team England's flagbearer for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The 29-year-old claimed gold medals in both the men's event and the team relay triathlon in Glasgow four years ago, and he will now lead Team England out at Wednesday's opening ceremony.

Brownlee, who is also the only triathlete to have successfully defended an Olympic title following his success at the Rio 2016 Games, will take part in the men's event on Thursday before competing in the team event on Sunday.

"It is a massive honour to carry the flag for England at the Commonwealth Games. I can't imagine what it will feel like walking into the stadium with the cross of St George, alongside all the other Commonwealth nations," Brownlee said in a statement.

"It is certainly going to be up there as one of the moments in my career that I will always remember."

Team England's chef de mission Sarah Winckless added: "I'd like to offer huge congratulations to Alistair on being selected as our flagbearer. We put the athletes at the heart of making this choice and I know he will lead the team into the stadium with pride.

"Alistair is one of the iconic figures of English sport, his achievements in triathlon are unrivalled. I am sure that this experience will match all that he has achieved in his career and this will be a real moments to savour for Alistair and his family."

Alistair will be competing alongside younger brother Jonny Brownlee at the Games, having beaten his sibling to gold at the 2014 edition of the competition.

The 21st Commonwealth Games take place on the Gold Coast from April 4 to April 15.