Yahoo Sport 
Meet Team USA's Flagbearers for the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
During the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, teams will parade in boats down the Seine River on a 3.7 mile route. Team USA will be the second-to-last boat, as they are the host of the next Summer Olympics (in Los Angeles in 2028). Leading the U.S. delegation will be its two flagbearers, LeBron James and Coco Gauff. James and Gauff are the second-ever duo to share the honor.
James and Gauff were voted by their fellow Olympians to receive the honor, and were surprised by the news when they arrived in Paris—James was told by teammate Steph Curry at a team meeting, and Gauff was told by teammate Chris Eubanks when they were trying on their Opening Ceremony outfits. Watch Gauff find out here:
"It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together," James, who is playing in his fourth Olympics, said. "For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment."
Gauff, who is competing in her first Olympics, said, "I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony. 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."
James is the first men's basketball player to earn the honor, and the third basketball player (the previous two were women's basketball players, Sue Bird in 2020 and Dawn Stanley in 2004). Gauff, meanwhile, is the first-ever U.S. tennis player in history to earn the honor of Team USA flag bearer.
You Might Also Like
