Few emotions surpass the honor of representing your country at the Olympic Games, especially as a flag bearer, leading a delegation of the nation’s finest athletes. I am not sure but the odds of achieving this distinction are likely rarer than a shark attack. This year, the privilege goes to NBA superstar LeBron James and tennis prodigy Coco Gauff, who will lead Team USA at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris Olympics, marking the city’s centennial since the 1924 Games.

Hours before the opening ceremony, the US Basketball team released a video of LeBron James preparing for the event, where more than 300,000 people are expected to attend. James and Gauff will stand out in a unique white blazer, contrasting the blue attire of the other athletes.

Why LeBron James is a Flag Bearer

LeBron James, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, is a living basketball legend. His exemplary career has earned him the honor of being the third basketball player, and the first men’s player, to carry the U.S. flag at the start of an Olympics, joining Dawn Staley (Athens 2004) and Sue Bird (Tokyo 2021).

James will be competing in his fourth Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012), with two gold medals already to his name. Commenting on James’ selection, Stephen Curry, who will make his Olympic debut, said, “I think Bron’s entire career, on and off the court, speaks for itself as him being worthy of that honor.”

On the other hand, Coco Gauff, at just 20 years old, represents the next generation of athletes. Currently ranked No. 2 in the WTA, Gauff is the recent US Open champion, her first Grand Slam title. Her goal is to match or even come close to Serena Williams, considered the greatest female tennis player in history.

As the Olympic Games commence, the selection of James and Gauff as flag bearers symbolizes the blend of experienced legends and rising stars that make up Team USA.