Tennis star Coco Gauff has been chosen as the female flag bearer for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The announcement was made by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee on Wednesday.
At just 20 years old, Gauff will be the youngest flag bearer for Team USA in her Olympic Games debut, and she will also be the first tennis player to hold this honor for the U.S. team.
She will join NBA star and three-time Olympian LeBron James as the United States’ two flag bearers.
“I never imagined I would have the privilege of carrying the American flag for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony,” Gauff said in a press release. “I am extremely proud to lead my teammates alongside LeBron as we demonstrate our dedication and passion on the grandest stage, bringing athletes and fans together from all over the world.”
Gauff and James were selected by their fellow Team USA athletes through a voting process led by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission.
“Being nominated by your teammates for this role speaks volumes about Coco’s approach to her sport and her place as a member of Team USA. I am excited for her to begin her Olympic journey here in Paris and, together with LeBron, to lead Team USA and inspire fans across the United States and the globe on Friday night,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland expressed in a press release.
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Gauff is the current U.S. Open women’s singles champion and holds the No. 2 ranking in singles — a career-high for the tennis player. She also recently secured her first Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open with Katerina Siniakova of Czechia.
The opening ceremony will commence on Friday in Paris.
