Olympics: Twins pose headache for Beijing organisers

New Zealand double gold medallists Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell disconcerted organisers somewhat as they prepared to carry the flag into the Bird's Nest stadium for last night's spectacular Olympics closing ceremony.

New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie, speaking as the team returned back to the Olympic Village after, said the fact that New Zealand had two flagbearers where every other country had just one seemed to throw organisers a little as the team prepared to march into the stadium.

"There seemed to be a little consternation that two people were carrying the flag into the stadium," Currie told NZPA last night.

"But it was a nice way to recognise what they'd achieved."

The Evers-Swindells swooped through in the last possible split second of the women's double sculls at Shunyi to pip Germany for the gold, overcoming 18 months of injury woes and hashed results in a stunning comeback.

Currie said a good proportion of the team had returned to the stadium for the closing ceremony, celebrating a nine-medal haul which included three golds.

"We've been here for six weeks and it's been two weeks of pretty intense competition. It's nice to celebrate a bit - the closing ceremony was amazing."

The team had a farewell function scheduled for tomorrow night before heading back to the slightly cooler climes of the tail-end of a New Zealand winter, Currie said.

Earlier, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge declared the "truly exceptional" Beijing Games closed, saying "you have shown us the unifying power of sport.

"The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitive rivals from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home."

Just before the closing ceremony, oarsman Hamish Bond was revealed as New Zealand's 1000th Olympian. The 22-year-old from Dunedin was part of the coxless four which finished seventh last weekend.

New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary-general Barry Maister named Bond as No 1000 as the team was preparing to make its way to the closing ceremony.

Athletes were numbered alphabetically by Games. Number one was Harry Kerr, who competed at the 1908 London Olympics, winning a bronze in the 3500m track walk.