Tennis phenom Coco Gauff has been selected as the U.S. female flag bearer for the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony, making history as the youngest American ever to receive this honor. The 20-year-old will join basketball superstar LeBron James in leading Team USA into the ceremony on Friday.
Gauff’s selection, made through voting by fellow U.S. Olympic team members, marks the first time a tennis player has been chosen as a U.S. flag bearer for an Opening or Closing Ceremony. She breaks the record previously held by Alpine skier Cindy Nelson from the 1976 Winter Games.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the world in singles, Gauff has had a remarkable year, winning her first Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles. Her U.S. Open victory last September made her the youngest American Grand Slam singles champion since Serena Williams in 1999.
Gauff’s Olympic journey began with disappointment when she had to withdraw from the Tokyo Games due to COVID-19. Now, she enters the Paris Olympics with high hopes, aiming to medal at Roland Garros, where she was the 2022 French Open singles runner-up.
The Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony will feature a unique parade of boats carrying athletes along the Seine, culminating near the Eiffel Tower. As Gauff prepares to lead Team USA, she reflects on fulfilling her childhood dream of representing her country at the Olympics.
Gauff’s selection as flag bearer not only highlights her exceptional achievements but also symbolizes the rising generation of American athletes on the world stage. As she steps into this historic role, all eyes will be on Gauff as she seeks to add Olympic glory to her already impressive resume.
Source:nbcolympics.com
