Get ready to cheer, folks! Tennis superstar Coco Gauff is teaming up with basketball icon LeBron James to carry the USA flag at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics! 🎉🇺🇸
At just 20 years old, Gauff is making waves as she becomes the first tennis athlete ever to be a U.S. flagbearer. She and James were chosen by their fellow athletes—a true testament to their impact both on and off the court. 🎾🏀
\"For me, the Olympics is a top priority,\" Gauff shared earlier this year. \"I always want to do well, try to get a medal.\" 🥇 Her excitement is through the roof as she prepares for her Olympic debut.
LeBron, the 39-year-old NBA legend and all-time leading scorer, joins Gauff in representing sports that light up our lives year-round, not just every four years. Talk about a dynamic duo! 💪
Did you know Gauff was set to compete in the Tokyo Games but had to stay home after testing positive for COVID-19? 😷 Well, she's back and better than ever, now a Grand Slam champion in both singles and doubles!
Since then, Gauff's been on fire. She clinched her first major singles title at the U.S. Open in September 2023, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final. Then she teamed up with Katerina Siniakova to win the French Open doubles title. 🔥
The Paris Olympics tennis events will take place on the legendary clay courts of Roland Garros—Gauff's familiar stomping grounds. She's seeded No. 2 in singles, right behind Iga Swiatek of Poland, and she's a top contender for the gold. 🏆
In doubles, Gauff and her partner Jessica Pegula are the No. 1 seeds. Plus, Gauff is teaming up with Taylor Fritz in mixed doubles, and they're seeded No. 2. Looks like Team USA is stacked! 🇺🇸
\"I'm not putting too much pressure on it, because I really want to fully indulge in the experience,\" Gauff said about her Olympic journey. \"I'll treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.\" ✨
We can't wait to see Coco and LeBron lead the way at the Opening Ceremony this Friday. Let's show them some love and support as they chase Olympic glory! 🙌
Reference(s):
Gauff to join James as USA flagbearers at Olympic Opening Ceremony
cgtn.com
