Olympics legend Michael Johnson questions why Coco Gauff was named Team USA’s flagbearer in Paris

4-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson has questioned Workforce USA’s resolution to make Coco Gauff a flagbearer.

The tennis star joined LeBron James on the head of Workforce USA’s opening ceremony boat to carry the flag as they made their method alongside the Seine on Friday night time.

Gauff is the reigning US Open champion and a contender to win the ladies’s tennis gold medal in Paris. 

However Johnson questioned whether or not she was your best option to be the face of Workforce USA due to the game she performs.

The 56-year-old, who gained gold medals on the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics, believes the glory ought to have gone to a different athlete.

Talking on the BBC, Johnson stated: ‘I am a bit disillusioned with USA crew’s selection.

‘I hoped for a Simone Biles or an Olympic athlete from a conventional Olympic sport. I believe they went for recognition.

‘Except Simone stated she did not wish to [because she has to get ready for her competition]. That is a chance.’

Gauff is the youngest flag bearer for her nation at a summer time Olympics and the primary tennis participant to obtain the glory. 

Biles, in the meantime, skipped the opening ceremony on Friday night time as a result of she’s getting ready for the beginning of gymnastics competitors on Sunday.

Simone Biles was a contender however she skipped the ceremony to give attention to her gymnastics

Her mother and father – Ronald and Nellie Biles – have been fast to clarify her absence throughout an interview with NBC Information’ Hoda Kotb and Snoop Dogg.

‘The primary competitors is Sunday,’ Nellie defined, ‘which is the Girls’s Qualifier. And, in fact, she must relaxation up earlier than that competitors.’ 

The 27-year-old was suggested to skip the prolonged proceedings, alongside together with her teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey. 

Nellie added, ‘She is feeling actually good. I spoke to her this morning and he or she’s doing nice. She’s simply in a very good place.’