PARIS — Tennis star Coco Gauff will carry the American flag for Team USA during Friday’s opening ceremony in Paris, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced Wednesday.
Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open singles champion, joins LeBron James as the two flag bearers who will lead the U.S. delegation on the Seine River. Both Gauff and James were selected via a vote by their fellow Team USA athletes.
“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” Gauff said. “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.”
The Opening Ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. local time in Paris (1:30 p.m. EDT) and will be broadcast live on NBC.
Gauff 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, which serves as the official start to the Olympic Games. 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 on the Seine River.
Source Agencies
