By Emily Goddard

Malcolm Page has been named Chef de Mission of the 2015 Australian Pacific Games Team ©Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Two-time Olympic champion sailor Malcolm Page has been named as Australia's Chef de Mission for the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby.

The Beijing 2008 and London 2012 470 class gold medallist will guide the 67-strong Australian squad at what will be their first appearance at the regional event as they compete in rugby sevens, weightlifting, sailing and taekwondo.

"Pulling on the green and gold at any time is exciting, however to represent Australia as a Chef de Mission is an amazing honour," Page said.

"To lead an international team like this is an incredible way to further my career in sport.

"Upon retirement I naturally made goals, one of which was to have a role like this at some point in the future.

"I'm very grateful how quickly it has come about."

Page, who will be supported by Australian Olympic Committee sport manager Caylie Saunders as Deputy Chef de Mission at the event due to take place between July 4 until 18 next year, believes the Pacific Games will be good preparation for the nation's athletes hoping to compete at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

It will be a particular opportunity for the rugby sevens squads as the sport prepares to make its Olympic debut at Rio 2016. 

Malcolm Page won gold in the 470 event at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics ©Getty ImagesMalcolm Page won gold in the 470 event at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics ©Getty Images


"As it is our first time participating, I think a successful Pacific Games will be one in which our team operates well and learns from the experience," he said.

"I would like to see the team support running smoothly and the athletes having the opportunity to achieve their personal bests, whether it be high achieving results, or simply gaining valuable competition experience."

Page also revealed that he hopes Australia will be able to continue to compete at the Pacific Games, alongside fellow newcomer New Zealand, after 2015.

Pacific Games Council chair Vidhya Lakhan has said a review will be carried out after the event to decide if the trial is successful.

"I think it would be fabulous to have Australian continue in the Pacific Games," Page added.

"We live in a very special part of the world and I think it is a good thing to share cultures and our passion for sporting success with our neighbours."

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