Netherlands projected to win 16 gold medals at Paris Olympics; flag bearers are "proud"

The Dutch athletes have a chance of achieving a record number of gold medals at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer. Data analyst firm Gracenote predicted this in preparation for the worldwide sporting event, which starts on Friday.

The Netherlands could pick up 16 gold medals, which would be four more than the Dutch record, which was in the Olympics of 2000 in Sydney, Australia. The prediction of 34 medals would not equal the total of the last games in Tokyo. Dutch sporters won 36 medals three years ago.

Only the United States (39), China (34), France (27), and Great Britain (17) are predicted to win more gold medals than the Dutch. The total of 34 medals is expected to get them up to ninth on the virtual medal table. The United States (112), China (86), and Great Britain (63) are predicted to be the top three.

The Netherlands is expected to follow the pattern of the last editions of the Games. In four of the last six Games, medals were won in 11 to 13 sports. In Paris, Gracenote expects Dutch medals in 12 different sports. Rowers, track cyclists, and athletes are expected to account for half of the medals.

Handball player Lois Abbingh and 3x3 basketballer Worthy de Jong will carry the Dutch flag next Friday during the Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony, Chef de Mission Pieter van den Hoogenband has confirmed.

This will be Abbingh's third Olympic Games. De Jong will be making his debut at the games.

Just like three years ago, it was decided that one women's athlete and one men's athlete would carry the flag. Three years ago, athlete Churandy Martina and skateboarder Keet Oldenbeuving carried it during the opening ceremony. Paris will be the first time that the event is not held in a stadium but on and around the Seine.

"Lois and Worthy will carry the flag on behalf of all athletes of team NL," Van Hoogenband explained in a statement. "They are the symbol for a whole team that connects a country with millions of people and represents them."

The 31-year-old Abbingh called it a huge honor that she will be carrying the flag. "I think that it means a lot for handball in the Netherlands. And personally, I think it's great that I can be at the forefront of the battle at my third Olympic Games. I cannot wait to represent Team NL," Abbingh added.

De Jong, who is 36 years of age, spoke similar words. "I had never thought that I would be asked to be a flag carrier for the Netherlands," de Jong said. "I think it is a huge honor and it is also a nice podium for our sport."

The opening ceremony in Paris will start on Friday at 7:30 p.m.