Coco Gauff Shatters Records: First U.S. Tennis Star to Carry Olympic Flag.
Gauff teams up with LeBron James as a Team USA flag bearer, leading the American delegation along the Seine River for the Olympics’ opening ceremony.
Tennis star Coco Gauff is set to make history once more as Team USA’s female flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony, becoming the first U.S. tennis player to receive this honor.
Gauff will join Olympian LeBron James, who was elected as a flag bearer earlier this week. Together, they will lead the American delegation along the Seine River on July 26. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced in a press release that the Team USA Athletes’ Commission decided on the selections based on a vote by fellow Team USA athletes.
“I never imagined in a million years that I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” Gauff said. “I couldn’t be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron, showcasing our dedication and passion on the biggest stage, bringing athletes and fans together from around the world.”
Gauff was nominated by her teammate, Chris Eubanks. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland praised Gauff’s selection, stating, “To be nominated by your teammates for this honor speaks volumes about how Coco approaches her sport and her role as a member of Team USA.” The reigning US Open women’s singles champion expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking those who voted for her. Fans are thrilled she received the honor. One user praised Gauff as a role model, saying, “Can’t wait to show my daughter you holding the flag; she started tennis last year at age 5 and loves it. I can show her what she can achieve if she continues to work hard.” Another described the Delray Beach, Florida native as an “incredible role model and brilliant young athlete.”
The USOPC confirmed that over 350 of the 592 U.S. Olympic Team members are expected to participate in the opening ceremony on Friday. The event, marking the official commencement of the Olympic Games, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time in Paris (1:30 p.m. EDT). Gauff’s tennis matches will begin on July 27 at Roland Garros, where she is set to compete in both singles and doubles with Jessica Pegula as her partner.
