Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin Aussie flagbearer in Sochi

Alex "Chumpy" Pullin has been named as flagbearer for Australia at Friday's opening Winter Olympics ceremony in Sochi.

Pullin was officially told of the honour at an Australian Olympic Committee function on Thursday afternoon.

The two-time Winter Olympian was something of a surprise choice ahead of Lydia Lassila, a four-Games veteran and 2010 gold medallist.

Pullin is a two-time world champion in snowboard cross and is a warm favourite to take gold in Sochi.