Coco Gauff picked to be Team USA’s second flag bearer ahead of Paris Olympics

Tennis star Coco Gauff has been chosen as Crew USA’s feminine flag bearer simply days earlier than the beginning of the Paris Olympics, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee introduced Wednesday.  She is going to be a part of NBA celebrity LeBron James because the American flag bearers and collectively, they may lead the U.S. delegation on the Seine River for the Summer time Video games’ opening ceremony Friday. 

Gauff, the No. 2-ranked ladies’s tennis participant on the earth and reigning U.S. Open champion, shall be making her Olympics debut in Paris. In a press release, she mentioned she “by no means thought in one million years” she’d have the dignity of being a flag bearer for her nation — a primary for a U.S. tennis participant. 

“I couldn’t be extra proud to guide my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and keenness on the largest stage there’s — at a second the place we are able to carry athletes and followers collectively from all over the world,” she mentioned. 

Each Gauff and James have been chosen by a vote by fellow athletes on Crew USA. Good friend and tennis participant Chris Eubanks nominated Gauff. 

“I am extremely happy with Coco — I understand how nice she is as a tennis participant, however extra importantly, how nice she is as an individual,” Eubanks mentioned in a press release. “I do not assume there’s anybody extra deserving of this honor and I am excited to see her carry the flag as she leads our U.S. delegation within the Opening Ceremony.”

In an social media put up following the announcement, Gauff thanked her fellow Crew USA Olympians for voting for her. 

Singles and doubles competitions start on July 27 at Roland Garros. In doubles play, Gauff will play with teammate Jessica Pegula. 

Gauff was imagined to go to the Tokyo Olympics, however she examined optimistic for COVID. She had referred to as it a “dream” of hers to symbolize USA on the Olympics. 

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