Connect with us

CELEBRITIES

Coco Gauff stunned after being selected as Team USA flag bearer for Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Published

on

 

US Open champion Coco Gauff has been selected as the female flag-bearer for the United States at the Paris Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, the American team announced on Wednesday.

 

 

Gauff, 20, will share this honor with four-time NBA champion LeBron James

This marks the first time a U.S. tennis player will carry the flag.

Gauff expressed her surprise and excitement upon learning of her selection.

She held her hand over her mouth in disbelief when informed by fellow tennis Olympian and longtime friend Chris Eubanks.

“I was not expecting that,”Gauff said emotionally in a video posted by Team USA.

“I mean, for me, the Olympics is a top priority. I would say equal to the Grand Slams. I wouldn’t put it above or below, just because I’ve never played before. This is my first time.”

Gauff and James, both prominent figures in sports that receive year-round attention, were chosen through a vote by their fellow U.S. athletes, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony,”Gauff said in a statement.

“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.”

USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland highlighted the significance of Gauff’s nomination.

“To be nominated by your teammates for this honor speaks volumes about the way in which Coco approaches her sport and her role as a member of Team USA,”Hirshland said
Gauff set for her first Olympic Games experience
Gauff’s rapid rise in the tennis world began five years ago when she defeated her idol, Venus Williams, in a remarkable run to the Wimbledon fourth round at just 15 years old.

Since then, Gauff, now based in Florida, has won major championships in both singles and doubles.

She claimed her first Grand Slam singles title in New York in September, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open final, and added her first Grand Slam doubles trophy at the French Open this June alongside Katerina Siniakova.

The Paris Olympic Games tennis matches will be held on the same clay courts used for the French Open at Roland Garros.

Gauff is seeded No. 2 in singles and will be among the favorites for a medal.

She and her regular doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, are seeded No. 1 in women’s doubles.

Mixed doubles pairings have yet to be announced.

Reflecting on her Olympic debut, Gauff said, “I’m not putting too much pressure on it, because I really want to fully indulge in the experience. Hopefully I can have the experience multiple times in my lifetime, (but) I’ll treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEWS30 minutes ago

10 Minutes Ago: President Donald Trump was Shot AGAIN But this time on his NOSE While he was Exiting the White House and was Urgently Rushed to the Hospital only for doctors to discover he has cancer of the…” See more 👇👇

ROYAL FAMILY7 hours ago

Meghan Markle is shaken as Samantha threatens to provide proof that Lili is actually Ashleigh’s biological daughter ….Full story below👇👇

NFL12 hours ago

Travis Kelce had arranged to meet Taylor Swift at the New York, but just as he arrived, she told him she had something urgent to take care of. In the photos taken at the scene, Travis’s eyes revealed clear sadness and disappointment. But what he didn’t know was that Taylor wasn’t truly busy—she was secretly planning a surprise that would soon turn his disappointment into pure joy.👇

ROYAL FAMILY1 day ago

Prince William makes the sad announcement that leaves his fans in tears: “My wife it’s been…” Check👇👇

NEWS1 day ago

Bruce Springsteen and Robert De Niro plan to move to Canada, citing disrespect in the U.S. as their reason.

ROYAL FAMILY2 days ago

“Dear father, I’m home…” Harry burst into tears as he hugged King Charles in the hospital, one day after his cancer complications: A heartfelt 3-hour reunion… See more below 👇👇👇

NFL2 days ago

Breaking:Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially taking the plunge — no, not marriage (yet), but moving in together! And wait till you hear about the house price tag. Let’s just say it’s so jaw-dropping, it could buy you a small country… or maybe two. How much are we talking? You might want to sit down for this Check out the SHOCKING DETAIL👇👇👇

ROYAL FAMILY2 days ago

Royal Tension : King Charles announced Prince Harry the next King 10mins ago after an outrageous act of Prince Williams wife Kate , Williams definitely going for…. full details below 😱👇

ROYAL FAMILY2 days ago

15 minutes ago:Prince William decided to announce the saddest news that leaves fans in tears “My daughter has..See more

ROYAL FAMILY3 days ago

TRAGEDY STRIKES! Kate breaks down in tears as she delivers heartbreaking news from the royal family: “Our Harry has…” See more below 👇👇👇

ROYAL FAMILY3 days ago

ՏAD NEWS: Prince Harry breaks down in tears as he announces the tragedy that has struck his family in America: ‘It breaks my heart to say that a member of my family has…'” See more below 👇👇👇

ROYAL FAMILY3 days ago

Tears Break Out! King Charles Receives Urgent BAD NEWS from the U.S. as Prince Harry’s Life Hangs by a Thread: “Grandpa, Please Save My Dad…”

Copyright © 2024 UKtalkin