Coco Gauff Joins LeBron James As Team USA Flag Bearer At Olympics Opening Ceremony

melanie goodfellow

Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 8:06 a.m.·2 min read

Coco Gauff has been named as Team USA’s female flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Gauff, who is the first tennis player to be accorded the honor, will join three-time Olympian LeBron James in leading the U.S. delegation at the Opening Ceremony on Paris’ Seine River on Friday evening.

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Team USA posted footage on X capturing Gauff as fellow tennis star Chris Eubanks broke the news to Gauff that she had been selected for the honor.

Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer @CocoGauff. 🇺🇸

The moment Coco got the news from her teammate @chris_eubanks96… 🫢#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/yjIWPjm6J1
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 24, 2024

“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” she said in press release put out by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

“I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is – at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world.”

Team USA released footage of Gauff receiving the surprise news she had been selected for the honor.

Gauff, who is the world No. 2 and defending U.S. Open champion, is competing at the Olympics for the first time, having been forced to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after testing positive for Covid.

She and James were chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA athletes through a process led by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission, which serves as the representative group and voice of Team USA Athletes.

They are the second duo to share the honor of leading the delegation into the Opening Ceremony. Of the 592 athletes who were named to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team, more than 350 athletes are set to participate in Friday’s Opening Ceremony.

The Olympics singles and doubles competition begins July 27 at Paris hallowed Roland Garros clay courts. In doubles play, Gauff will pair up with teammate Jessica Pegula.

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