Representing your country in the Olympics is arguably among the highest honors for any athlete competing worldwide. Being chosen as flagbearer for the opening ceremony takes that honor to an even higher level.
For four-time NBA Champion LeBron James and 2023 U.S. Open winner Cori “Coco” Gauff, it’s the stuff dreams are made of because they were named flag bearers for the USA earlier this week. This is something only a select few ever get to experience as James and Gauff realize what it means. Since the flagbearer is voted on by all the Olympic athletes from one’s country, it means even more knowing your peers have elected you to be the face of a nation.
“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. “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. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
James is the first U.S. men’s basketball player to be named flag bearer and only the third hooper to ever do it. Dawn Staley was the flag bearer at the 2004 Athens Games and Sue Bird at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Despite how polarizing LeBron has been during his career, it’s only fitting that he be one of the leading faces for the United States in what is likely his final Olympic appearance.
So, if James is part of the old guard of more experienced Olympic athletes, Gauff is the new flavor at nearly 20 years younger than “The King.” Gauff broke through in 2019, making a name for herself internationally in the tennis world, at age 15 when she defeated her idol, Venus Williams. Five years later she’s leading her country into the Olympics alongside James as the first tennis player to carry the flag.
Gauff missed the Tokyo Olympic Games after she tested positive for COVID-19. Now she’ll finally make her Olympic debut with an added cherry on top as the nation’s female flag bearer. That feels like a lot to put on the shoulders of the 20-year-old phenom, but it sounds like Gauff is prepared for the moment.
“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony,” Gauff said. “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.”
As big as professional basketball and tennis are around the world, nothing quite compares to doing it on the Olympic stage. Gauff mentioned the Olympics being “the biggest stage there is” in her statement. She’s absolutely correct in her assertion.
Very few ever get to hoop professionally as James has for over 20 years. The same goes for Gauff in tennis. Even fewer get to take part in the Olympics and hold the position of flag bearer simultaneously. Gauff and James have become answers to future trivia questions.
“To be nominated by your teammates for this honor speaks volumes about the way in which Coco approaches her sport and her role as a member of Team USA,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said.
While this is Coco’s first Olympic Games, James is a wily veteran when it comes to this. Paris will mark James’ fourth time taking part in the Olympics, with his first dating back to ‘04 in Athens, Greece. No matter what anyone thinks of James’ basketball career, it’s been nothing short of impressive.
