Tennis star Coco Gauff was left speechless upon finding out she would be the female flag bearer for the United States at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Gauff’s compatriot and longtime friend, Christopher Eubanks, surprised her with the news on Wednesday.
“Your year last year was incredible,” Eubanks said. “You captured the world by storm. You captured your first Grand Slam. I think you kind of showcased to the world, in the U.S. and abroad, how special of a person and tennis player you are. And I think because you are so special, you have the honor of wearing this jacket during the opening ceremony and being a flag bearer with LeBron James.”
Gauff’s mouth dropped to the floor.
“I was not expecting that,” Gauff said as she gave Eubanks a heartfelt hug. “Thank you, that’s really cool.”
Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer @CocoGauff. 🇺🇸
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 24, 2024
The moment Coco got the news from her teammate @chris_eubanks96… 🫢#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/yjIWPjm6J1
Gauff, 20, will be the youngest ever U.S. flag bearer at an Olympic opening ceremony and the first tennis player to be bestowed the honor. Gauff is currently ranked as the world No. 2 by the WTA and is coming off a Grand Slam title in 2023. Both Gauff and LeBron James were chosen as flag bearers by a vote from Team USA members.
Gauff later posted an emotional message on X:
“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.”
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. 🥹🇺🇸
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 24, 2024
The Olympic opening ceremony in Paris will kick off at 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Coco Gauff Was Floored to Find Out She Was Team USA Flag Bearer With LeBron James.
