PARIS — Tennis star Coco Gauff will carry the American flag on behalf of the U.S. Olympic team at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night. At 20 years old, Gauff will be the youngest flag bearer in U.S. Olympic history.
Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open singles champion, will join LeBron James as the two flag bearers leading the U.S. delegation in its first-ever boat parade down the Seine River, an honor both Gauff and James received in a vote by their fellow U.S. Olympians.
“I never dreamed I'd have the honor of representing Team USA and carrying the American flag at the Opening Ceremony,” Gauff said in a statement released by the USOPC. “I couldn't be more proud to lead my teammates alongside LeBron in showcasing our dedication and passion on the biggest stage of all, bringing together athletes and fans from all over the world.”
James will soon be playing in her fourth Olympic Games, having led the U.S. men's basketball team to gold medals in 2008 and 2012, while Gauff will make her Olympic debut in Paris. Gauff was selected for the U.S. team for the Tokyo Olympics three years ago but had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19 five days before the opening ceremony.
Since then, Gauff has developed into one of the best tennis players in the world, and she enters the Olympics at a career-high No. 2 in the WTA singles rankings.
“I'm incredibly proud of Coco. I know what a great tennis player she is, but more importantly, what a great person she is,” said American tennis player and friend Chris Eubanks, who nominated Gauff. “I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor and I can't wait to see her lead the U.S. delegation and raise the flag at the Opening Ceremony.”
