The tennis star Coco Gauff, who is currently ranked number 5 in the world, could not help but become emotional as she was named Team USA’s female flag bearer for the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies.
Gauff Becomes Emotional As She’s Named Team USA’s Flag Bearer
Gauff, 20, put her hand to her mouth in shock as she was given the news by her fellow tennis Olympian and longtime friend Chris Eubanks. She will be carrying the American flag alongside the NBA legend LeBron James during the opening ceremonies on Friday.
“I was not expecting that,” a visibly emotional Gauff said.
Gauff later took to her Instagram Story to celebrate.
“What an honor! Thank you,” she wrote, later adding, “Am I dreaming?”
Gauff also gave her thoughts on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“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,” she wrote. “Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored.”
Gauff Making Olympics Debut
Gauff is the reigning U.S. Open champion. This will be her Olympics debut, and she’ll be playing both singles and doubles, entering the latter event with Jessica Pegula. Gauff may also play in the mixed doubles event, but those pairings have yet to be announced.
Gauff actually qualified for the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. However, she was forced to drop out after testing positive for COVID-19.
Gauff has made it clear that she’s been looking forward to the Olympics for quite some time. She’s trying to earn the first American Olympic medal in women’s singles tennis since Serena Williams won Gold in London back in 2012.
“I mean, for me, the Olympics is a top priority,” Gauff said earlier this year.
“This is my first time,” she continued. “Obviously, I always want to do well, try to get a medal.”
Gauff will be the number 2 seed in singles behind Poland’s Iga Swiatek. The draw will be released on Thursday, and play is set to begin on Friday.
As she gets closer to her Olympics debut, Gauff is trying to enjoy the moment.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on it, because I really want to fully indulge in the experience,” Gauff said this week. “Hopefully I can have the experience multiple times in my lifetime, (but) I’ll treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
LeBron James Named As Olympic Flag-Bearer
This comes days after James became the first men’s basketball player to be Team USA’s Olympic flag bearer. WNBA players Sue Bird and Dawn Staley had previously been Olympic flag bearers.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said in a statement.
“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations,” he added. “Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
Full Story: LeBron James Chosen As Flagbearer For Team USA At The Olympic Games
The opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympics is set to take place on Friday, July 26 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Be sure to tune in and cheer on Gauff, James, and the rest of Team USA!