Paris 2024 Olympics: Coco Gauff selected as Team USA flag bearer alongside LeBron James
2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff is set to make her Olympic debut in grand fashion after being named as USA's female flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on 26 July.
At just 20 years old, Gauff will lead the US tennis team and represent her country as the first U.S. tennis player in history and the youngest American to ever carry the flag during the Opening Ceremony. Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles carried the stars and stripes at the Closing Ceremony of Rio 2016 aged just 19.
Gauff will be joined by basketball legend LeBron James, who was named as the US men's flag bearer earlier this week, during what will be his fourth Olympic appearance.
“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 in the USOPC announcement.
“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,” she added.
World number two Coco Gauff aims for glory at Paris 2024
Gauff's Olympic debut comes after a remarkable last few years, highlighted by her win at the 2023 US Open and doubles title at the 2024 French Open alongside Katerina Siniaková.
With her current world ranking of No. 2, she is set to compete in singles, women's doubles, and potentially mixed doubles, aiming for medals in all three categories.
Together, Gauff and James blend youthful energy and seasoned experience, making a significant duo to lead Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
Coco Gauff of Team USA trains at Roland Garros (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)