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Tennis star Coco Gauff has been selected as a flag bearer for Team USA ahead of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris.
Gauff, who's the world's number two-ranked women's tennis player and is set to make her Olympic debut, will represent Team USA alongside NBA star LeBron James as they sail down the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower for Friday's (July 26) opening ceremony, per TODAY.
Gauff will make history as the first tennis player to carry the US flag for the Olympic opening. At 20, Gauff is also the youngest American to be selected for the honor.
“I was completely shocked,” Gauff said of being selected as a flag bearer. “I never would have crossed my mind. I have no words, honestly.”
“It made me cry. I didn’t want to cry in front of my teammates... but when I called my mom, I started crying. I think it’s even more special – even now I get emotional thinking about it – that so many incredible people just think that I’m worth of this. It means a lot, truly,” she added.
Flag bearers are voted on by fellow Team USA athletes. Gauff was nominated for the honor by fellow tennis star Chris Eubanks.
“I’m incredibly proud of Coco – I know how great she is as a tennis player, but more importantly, how great she is as a person,” Eubanks said in a statement.
James was selected as a flag bearer on Monday (July 22).
“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.“Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
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