By Amy Tennery
PARIS (Reuters) – U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff would be the feminine flag bearer for the USA on the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, becoming a member of four-time NBA champion LeBron James, the American crew mentioned on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old Gauff would be the first U.S. tennis participant to hold the flag, three years after she was compelled to overlook the Tokyo Olympics when she examined optimistic for COVID.
“I never thought in a million years I would have the honour of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony,” Gauff mentioned in a press release.
“I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is.”
Gauff and James earned their alternatives by means of a vote of their fellow U.S. athletes, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) mentioned.
“To be nominated by your teammates for this honour speaks volumes about the way in which Coco approaches her sport and her role as a member of Team USA,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland mentioned.
The tennis world quantity two Gauff exploded onto the worldwide stage 5 years in the past when she beat her idol, Venus Williams, in a dream run to the Wimbledon fourth spherical when she was simply 15-years-old.
She clinched her maiden main title on the U.S. Open final yr.
Gauff is predicted to compete in each the singles and doubles on the clay courts at Roland Garros, when the Olympic tennis competitors begins on July 27.