Coco Gauff will be the USA’s flag bearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony alongside LeBron James, which is a great honor for the youngster.
The youngster didn’t play at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo because she tested positive for COVID-19 just before she was about to fly to Japan. It was a hugely disappointing development for Gauff because she was looking forward to representing her country in Tokyo, but unfortunately, fate wouldn’t have it so.
She will compete at this year’s Olympics in Paris, and not only play but likely challenge for some medals. Many consider her among the top favorites to get a medal, and she certainly fancies her chances.
The tennis event will be played on the courts where Roland Garros is played, so she’s quite familiar with those courts and their surroundings, having reached the singles final and won a doubles trophy.
She did well there this year and won in doubles with Katerina Siniakova, which is also something to remember because she’ll play both in mixed doubles with Taylor Fritz and in doubles with Jessica Pegula.
Gauff stood in the Roland Garros singles final a few years ago, losing to Iga Swiatek, and admitted earlier this year that she wanted to win the French Open, so clearly, she thinks she can get it done.
She’s not the top favorite because Iga Swiatek is, but the motivation is there, as she admitted to wanting a gold medal badly. Time will tell whether she gets that honor, but she already got a huge honor before the Games start.
She will be the flag bearer for the United States alongside LeBron James, which was told to her by long-time friend Christopher Eubanks.
During the US tennis team photoshoot, Eubanks stepped aside and began speaking, catching Gauff off-guard because she wasn’t sure what was happening.
“So obviously, I think most of you guys know Coco and have been close from a really young age. I’ve got to see this girl grow up so I’m sure she’s very excited to be here at her first Olympics. It’s a pretty special moment.”
“Your year last year was incredible. You obviously captured the world by storm. You captured your first Grand Slam. I think you showcased to the world in the U.S. and abroad how special of a person and tennis player you are.
“And I think because you are so special, you have the honor of wearing this jacket during the opening ceremony and being a flag bearer with LeBron James.”
The American was obviously quite shocked by the news, but quickly, a smile appeared on her face as her teammates congratulated her on her success.
Gauff then took to social media sometime after to thank everybody who voted for her to get this chance, as it was something that she’ll never forget.
“I just want to say thank you to my fellow team USA olympians/athletes for voting and choosing me for this incredible honor to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony. Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored.”
