American tennis prodigy Coco Gauff has revealed she is not nervous about being selected to bear the flag for Team USA at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games. However, one factor does give her cause for concern, the heigh of co-flag bearer, NBA superstar LeBron James.
The 20-year old tennis star will make history by being the first American tennis player and youngest American flagbearer in Olympic history during the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics. Gauff and James were selected by their fellow US Olympic athletes to perform the honor. James will be the first men's basketball player to ever to carry the American flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Gauff concerned about the height difference between James and herself
In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, the World No.2 stated she was mostly "not nervous" about carrying the American flag at her maiden Olympics. However, she revealed she was unsure about the logistics behind her and James carrying the flag. Gauff measures in at 5 feet 9 inches while the basketball legend stands at a towering 6 feet 9 inches tall.
"I don't know, I feel like you just hold the flag so I don't think I can mess it up too much," said Gauff. "I am a little concerned about the height difference. Is my arm going to be up here while he's holding it? I don't know. I thought it was two separate flags when I was looking at a picture. They hold it together, so I don't really know."
Nonetheless, the reigning US Open champion was honored to have been chosen by her peers, and took to social media to thank them.
"I just want to say thank you to my fellow team USA Olympians/athletes for voting and choosing me for this incredible honor to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony," wrote Gauff on Twitter.
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I just want to say thank you to my fellow team usa olympians/athletes for voting and choosing me for this incredible honor to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony ❤️. Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored. 🥹🇺🇸