Grand Falls-Windsor swimmer Nathan Luscombe heads into his second Canada Games as the province’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony on Aug. 9. Photo by Contributed photoArticle contentLeading the charge for Newfoundland and Labrador athletes ahead of the 2025 Canada Games was the farthest thing from the mind of Nathan Luscombe. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThat all changed a couple of weeks ago when the 20-year-old swimmer from Grand Falls-Windsor got the call that he was being named the province’s flag bearer for the Games’ opening ceremonies. Article contentArticle contentSince then, he’s been walking on cloud nine, so to speak. Article content“I was just kind of floored, to be honest,” said Luscombe. “It was a very exciting call, though, for sure. I was very honoured.” Article contentHe was officially introduced as the flag bearer during an athlete’s rally held at the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre in St. John’s this week. Article contentWith the lights down, Luscombe made a lap of the gym with the provincial flag. Article content“It was pretty surreal, to be honest, just getting to walk out carrying that flag knowing that in three weeks, I’ll be leading the charge at the opening ceremonies, is a pretty cool thought,” said Luscombe. Article content“It was very exciting to be able to preview the clothing, as well as it was really a nice experience.” Article contentArticle content📣 Announcing your Team NL Flag Bearer for the 2025 Jeux du Canada Games 📣 Nathan Luscombe! 🏊♂️ Nathan is an…Posted by Team NL on Wednesday, July 16, 2025Article contentNo stranger to the GamesArticle contentThis isn’t Luscombe’s first Canada Games — he competed in Niagara in 2022, where he brought home a silver and a bronze medal. Article contentThat success has helped Luscombe put his mind at ease as he prepares to compete for a second time. Article content“I feel like I have a little bit more confidence about how I can perform and how it’s supposed to run and all of that stuff,” he said. Article content“Going into the first Games, I kind of knew in the back of my mind that there was a chance I could medal, but I was a little bit unsure about how it was going to go.” Article contentPerforming in front of friendsArticle contentLuscombe’s training has been going well since he wrapped up his post-secondary classes earlier this year. Article contentArticle contentThat’s also helped his confidence heading into the Games, as well as knowing that he’ll get to perform in a familiar setting in the Aquarena in St. John’s in front of people he knows in the stands. Article contentArticle contentLuscombe’s family was able to watch his medal swims in Niagara via the Internet, but this time, they’ll be able to watch in person. Article content“Knowing that I’m going to have everyone there watching live, and it’s in front of the home crowd at a pool that I’ve swam at for my entire career — now redone, obviously — but it’s going to be a truly insane experience,” he said. Article contentLuscombe fondly remembers the opening ceremonies from the Niagara Games. Walking out as a member of Team NL is a memory that he cherishes greatly. Article contentNow, he’s looking to create a new core memory in these Games. Article content“Being able to lead the charge for the team going into these Games, in front of the home crowd, I think it’s going to be truly incredible,” said Luscombe. Article contentThe opening ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 9. Article content
Nathan Luscombe ready to lead the NLs charge at 2025 Canada Games
