Coco Gauff Joins LeBron James As USA Flag Bearer At 2024 Olympics

Coco Gauff has been named as Team USA’s female flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The accomplishment follows Gauff being forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to testing positive for COVID-19. She is the first tennis player and the youngest athlete to hold the coveted position .

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“We are proud to announce Coco Gauff has been selected to join LeBron James as the flag bearers for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony,” detailed CEO of the United States Olympic Committee Sarah Hirshland. “To be nominated by your teammates for this honor speaks volumes about the way in which Coco approaches her sport and her role as a member of Team USA. I’m thrilled for her to start her Olympic journey here in Paris and, with LeBron, to lead Team USA and inspire fans around [the] United States and the world on Friday night.”

Team USA shared the moment Gauff learned the news in an emotional clip. The upload to social media shows the 20-year-old becoming aware of the surprise from her teammate Chris Eubanks, who nominated her for the honor, according to a press statement.

“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” explained the reigning US Open women’s singles champion . “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.”

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“I’m incredibly proud of Coco – I know how great she is as a tennis player, but more importantly, how great she is as a person,” added Eubanks. “I don’t think there is anyone more deserving of this honor and I’m excited to see her carry the flag as she leads our U.S. delegation in the Opening Ceremony.”

The Opening Ceremony will be presented live across NBC, Peacock , and Telemundo on Friday (July 26), at 7:30 local time, in Paris (1:30 p.m. ET). Watch Coco Gauff learn she will carry the American flag for Team USA below.

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