Disappointment was expressed by US Olympic legend Michael Johnson regarding the selection of flag bearers for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics in Paris. Johnson believed that the committee made a “popularity” pick by choosing tennis phenom Coco Gauff and basketball superstar LeBron James. He expressed his wish for seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles or an athlete from a traditional Olympic sport to be selected instead. However, Johnson also acknowledged the possibility that Biles may have declined the opportunity.
Biles, who had been a flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics, was absent from the boating festivities on Friday. Her mother explained that Biles needed to rest before the women’s qualifier competition on Sunday. It was advised that gymnasts competing on Sunday should avoid attending the opening ceremony, as they would be on their feet for over nine hours. Biles’ teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey also chose not to attend the ceremony.
The choice of flag bearers for Team USA was determined through a vote by athletes from different sports. The result revealed that James and Gauff were selected. Johnson’s disappointment stemmed from his belief that traditional Olympic events, such as running, pentathlon, wrestling, and equestrian, should have been represented. It is worth noting that tennis was initially part of the Olympics from 1896 to 1924 but was later reintroduced in 1988.
Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, was informed of her selection by her longtime friend Chris Eubanks. She became the youngest flag bearer in US Olympic history and the first tennis player to hold this honor. James, on the other hand, carried the American flag for the first time in his four Summer Games appearances. Gauff expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Team USA alongside James, stating that she couldn’t wait to perform well in the games.
In addition to her role as flag bearer, Gauff will be making her Olympics debut in the singles tournament, where she is set to face Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia in the first round. She also has the chance to win gold medals in doubles, as she is partnering with Jessica Pegula, and in mixed doubles, where she will be paired with Taylor Fritz.
Overall, the selection of flag bearers for Team USA at the Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris sparked disappointment and debate. While some felt that Gauff and James were deserving choices, others, like Michael Johnson, believed that athletes from traditional Olympic sports should have been given the opportunity. Ultimately, the flag bearers were determined by a vote among the athletes themselves, and Gauff embraced the role with enthusiasm, making history as the youngest flag bearer in US Olympic history.
