Tennis star Coco Gauff has been chosen as Team USA’s female flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee made the announcement on Wednesday.
At the age of 20, Gauff will be the youngest flag bearer for Team USA as she competes in her first Olympic Games. She is also the first tennis player to hold this honor for the U.S. team.
The tennis player will join NBA star and three-time Olympian LeBron James as the USA’s designated flag bearers.
“I never imagined I would have the privilege of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” Gauff expressed 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 – where we can unite athletes and fans 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 honor speaks volumes about the way Coco approaches her sport and her position as a member of Team USA. I am excited for her to begin her Olympic journey here in Paris and, alongside LeBron, to lead Team USA and inspire fans across the United States and the globe on Friday night,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland in a press release.
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Gauff is the current U.S. Open women’s singles champion and is ranked No. 2 in singles — a career-high for the tennis professional. She also recently claimed her first Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open with Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova.
The opening ceremony will commence on Friday in Paris.
