Coco Gauff creates history as the youngest ever flag bearer for USA; to carry the American flag at Paris Olympics opening ceremony with LeBron James
Coco Gauff has been selected as the female flag bearer for the USA during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. She will be joined by LeBron James.
Gauff is making her Olympic debut in Paris this year, and even before stepping foot on the court, the 20-year-old will create history as the youngest flagbearer for the USA during the opening ceremony of any Olympic Games and the first tennis player ever to be selected for this role.
Gauff is also the first Olympic debutant since track athlete Lopez Lomong at Beijing 2008 to be a US Opening Ceremony flag bearer. She and James were picked to bear the US flag at the ceremony after voting by fellow members of the US Olympic Team across all sports.
The American tennis star was elated to become the flagbearer for her country.
“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony. 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,” Gauff said.
"Olympics is a top priority, equal to the Grand Slams" - Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff has been eager and laser-focused on her participation in the Paris Olympics and has often expressed the tournament's importance in her tennis journey. During a press conference at the 2024 Italian Open in early May, the World No. 2 said that the Olympics are as important as a Grand Slam for her.
"For me, the Olympics is a top priority. I would say equal to the Grand Slams. I wouldn't put it above or below just because I've never played before. This is my first time. Obviously, I always want to do well, try to get a medal. Yeah, I mean, but the prep is going to be interesting because I've never done the grass-to-clay transition before," she said.
Gauff will be joined by Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, Emma Navarro, Desirae Krawczyk, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Christopher Eubanks, Marcos Giron, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram on USA's tennis contingent. She is seeded second in the women's singles draw, and is the top seed in the women's doubles draw alongside Pegula.