In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, tennis star Coco Gauff will join basketball icon LeBron James as a flagbearer for the USA at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion, is set to make her Olympic debut, marking the first time a tennis athlete will carry the U.S. flag. Their selection was made by their fellow athletes, highlighting the respect and admiration they command within the sporting community.
\"The Olympics is a top priority for me, equal to the Grand Slams,\" Gauff shared earlier this year. \"I want to do well and try to get a medal.\" Her dedication comes after a challenging experience three years ago when she had to withdraw from the Tokyo Games due to a COVID-19 positive test shortly before her departure.
Based in Florida, Gauff has swiftly risen in the tennis world, securing her first major singles title at the U.S. Open in September 2023 by defeating Aryna Sabalenka. She also clinched her first Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open in June alongside Katerina Siniakova. The same Roland Garros clay courts will host the tennis events at the Paris Olympics, setting the stage for Gauff's Olympic journey.
Ranked No. 2 in the WTA singles rankings, just behind Poland's Iga Swiatek, Gauff is among the medal favorites. In doubles, she and Jessica Pegula hold the No. 1 seed, while in mixed doubles, Gauff teams up with Taylor Fritz, seeded No. 2.
LeBron James, the 39-year-old NBA legend and leading scorer in the league's history, complements Gauff's presence, representing two sports that captivate audiences year-round. Together, they embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence as the USA steps into the Paris Games.
\"I'm not putting too much pressure on it because I really want to fully indulge in the experience,\" Gauff expressed about her Olympic debut. \"Hopefully, I can have this experience multiple times in my lifetime, but I'll treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.\"
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Gauff to join James as USA flagbearers at Olympic Opening Ceremony
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