Legends Only: Lebron James & Coco Gauff named Team USA’s Flag Bearers
Being part of the Olympics is an incredible achievement by itself; it recognizes the impressive talent and hard work put in by every athlete. But for Lebron James and Coco Gauff, the honor of representing Team USA goes beyond that now that they have been selected to be their delegation’s flag bearers.
Tennis Tonic
James was nominated by fellow NBA star Stephen Curry and chosen by the members of Team USA, and it’s not difficult to see why: this will be the Lakers’ star's fourth Olympic appearance since his debut in Greece in 2004. Following the bronze medal achieved then, the four-time NBA champion also helped Team USA win back-to-back gold medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and is now trying to earn his third one in what is most likely his last Olympic appearance.
“It’s special to get an opportunity to represent your country in another fashion. I understand how prestigious this moment is … it will live on forever.”
In Coco’s case, the designation is the cherry on top to kick off her first Olympic appearance after withdrawing from Tokyo 2020 due to contracting COVID-19. She is making history as the first tennis player and the youngest athlete ever to be chosen as Team USA’s flag bearer. Age is merely a number for her, as she is currently ranked as the world’s no. 2. Chris Eubanks, the teammate who nominated her, is also aware of her incredible talent, mentioning, “I don’t think there is anyone more deserving of this honor, and I’m excited to see her carry the flag as she leads our U.S. delegation in the opening ceremony.”
Being chosen for the position is the highest praise an Olympic participant can receive, as it’s a recognition of their commitment to the team, their athletic greatness, and a demonstration of their peers’ admiration for their achievements. Overall, it’s the embodiment of national pride. Lebron is the first male basketball player (third representative of the sport after Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2021) to be Team USA’s flag bearer. James and Gauff now join the remarkable group of Team USA’s iconic former bearers. In honor of this incredible moment, let’s revisit some of the most distinguished fellow honorees who are also part of Olympic history.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Sue Bird and Eddy Álvarez
Getty Images
For the 2020 Games edition, the International Olympic Committee decided delegations should have two flag bearers, one male and one female, to promote gender parity. Sue was a no-brainer choice, as she is one of the most successful basketball players in Olympic history. She has had five consecutive appearances since debuting in the Greece 2004 Games, ending in gold medal wins. As for Eddy, he is one of the few athletes to win Olympic medals in different disciplines. He grew up training as a speed skater and playing baseball, excelling in both sports. In the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, he won a silver medal in short-track speed skating with the US men’s 5000 m relay team. Later, he joined the MLB and was a part of the 2020 baseball team that took home the silver medal after losing the final to Japan.
Beijing 2008 Olympics: Lopez Lomong
Associated Press
Track star Lopez Lomong’s story is a testament to resilience and courage. After being born in war-stricken Sudan, he was just six years old when he was abducted. He escaped to Kenya, where he lived in a refugee camp for ten years, before finally settling in the US at age 16. He excelled in high school and college track, eventually becoming a US citizen and getting the chance to represent the country in the Beijing 2008 Olympic games, where he was given the honor of carrying the flag as a tribute to his unbreakable spirit.
Rome 1960 Olympics: Rafer Johnson
Associated Press
Johnson’s place in history transcends his athletic achievements. As the first black person to be Team USA’s flag bearer, he was also an active member of the civil rights movement, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Besides his Olympic and civil rights achievements, the decathlon gold medalist was also a promoter of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities as president of the California Special Olympics, a political member who worked in JFK’s campaign, and an occasional actor who participated in movies and TV shows. However, his greatest medal was not an Olympic one, as in 1994, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his trailblazing career and impactful legacy.
Mexico City 1968 Olympics: Jan Romary
Associated Press
We can’t discuss flag-bearing history without including Jan, the first woman ever to be honored with the title and the first woman to attend six consecutive Olympic games. She was a record-breaking athlete, as she shares the mark with Maria Cerra for the highest finish by a U.S. female fencer in the Olympics.
“I felt like the most special person in the world, I have never felt so proud in my whole life.”