One of the highest honors at the Olympic Games is to be the flag bearer for your country during the traditional Parade of Nations.

Nick Willis, an Ann Arbor resident for nearly a decade, will get that honor.

Willis, who won a silver medal in the 1,500-meter run at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, was named the flag bearer for his native New Zealand during a Thursday ceremony in London.

The Parade of Nations takes place during the Opening Ceremony, which starts at 2 p.m. today. NBC's tape-delayed coverage of the event airs tonight.

A seven-time All-American in cross country and track at Michigan from 2003-05, Willis trains with former Michigan men’s track coach Ron Warhurst at The Running Institute in Ann Arbor.

Related: List of Olympic athletes and coaches with Ann Arbor ties

A member of the New Zealand Olympic committee told the audience at a black-tie affair that Willis, born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, met the qualities of the flag bearer role: Olympic experience, ability to honor and inspire teammates and medal potential.

“Nick’s results speak for themselves and his silver medal run in Beijing was a great moment in New Zealand sporting history, Dave Currie said, as reported by stuff.co.nz.

See the complete story and a video of Willis’ acceptance speech here.