Michael Johnson criticizes Coco Gauff's flagbearer selection at Paris Olympics

Olympics legend Michael Johnson has criticised Team USA's decision to give young tennis star Coco Gauff a chance to become a flagbearer at the Paris Olympics ceremony. The mega-event officially began on Friday, and thousands of athletes from all over the world will participate to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize for their respective countries.

Olympics legend Johnson, who won four gold medals for his country at the Olympics, three in 400-meter races and one in 200-meter race, while speaking to BBC as quoted by Daily Mail, expressed disappointment after seeing Gauff as one of the flagbearers along with basketball legend LeBron James. The 56-year-old stated that, in his opinion, the decision was based on popularity and that the more deserving candidate for such a prestigious occasion was Simone Biles, the four-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics.

“I was hoping for a Simone Biles or an Olympic athlete from a traditional Olympic sport,” he said. “I think they went for popularity. Unless Simone said she didn't want to [because she has to get ready for her competition]. That's a possibility.” Gauff is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing women’s tennis despite just turning 20 earlier this year in March. The Atlanta-born has already won a Grand Slam in her career as she lifted the US Open in 2023 after beating the former world number one Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus with a score of 2–6, 6–3, 6–2.

Gauff is taking part in two events in the Paris Olympics. In the singles category, she will face Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in the round of 64 on Sunday. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two players in professional tennis. That’s not it, as in the doubles category, Gauff will partner with Jessica Pegula. The two will face Australia’s Daria Saville and Ellen Perez in the first round on Saturday.