Saveh Shemshaki chosen as Iran's flag bearer for Sochi Olympics

Hossein Saveh Shemshaki has been selected as Iran's flag bearer for the 2014 Sochi Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.

Shemshaki is one of five athletes competing for the Islamic republic during the two-week long Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

He is joined by fellow Alpine skiers Mohammad Kiadarbandsari and Forough Abbasi while Sattar Seid and Farzaneh Rezasoltani will represent Iran in cross country skiing.

The Games get underway on Thursday - a day before the official opening ceremony - and run until February 23.

The 22nd edition of the Games will boast athletes from a record-breaking 88 countries. The previous high was set at the 2010 Vancouver Games, where 82 national teams took part.

Among the countries completing will be the Philippines, Pakistan and Tajikistan - three of 18 nations who'll be represented by a single athlete.

In total 3,000 athletes will be competing in 98 medal events, including these 13 pin-ups.