PARIS – Coco Gauff has been chosen as the female flag bearer for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. She will accompany three-time Olympian LeBron James as the duo selected to lead the U.S. delegation along the Seine River on Friday. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM local time in Paris, which corresponds to 1:30 PM EDT.
“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.”
This marks the second time a duo has had the distinction of leading the U.S. delegation into the Opening Ceremony, signifying the commencement of the Olympic Games. Out of the 592 athletes selected for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team, over 350 are expected to march in Friday's Opening Ceremony.
Coco Gauff, currently ranked No. 2 in singles, is the defending US Open women's singles champion and has recently secured her inaugural Grand Slam doubles victory at the French Open alongside Katerina Siniakova of Czechia. With a total of seven WTA singles titles and nine doubles titles to her name, including five with partner Jessica Pegula, Gauff achieved the world No.1 doubles ranking in the summer of 2022 for the first time. “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,” said Chris Eubanks, teammate and friend who nominated Gauff. “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 singles and doubles competitions at Roland Garros are set to commence on July 27. Coco Gauff will join forces with Jessica Pegula in the doubles category on the iconic clay courts. Although Gauff was slated to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, she was unable to compete due to a positive COVID-19 test. Notably, Gauff has been distinguished as the first American tennis player to be granted the privilege of carrying the flag for Team USA. “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,” said USOPC CEO 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 United States and the world on Friday night.”
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