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The 20-year-old Gauff will be the first U.S.
tennis player to carry the flag, three years after she was
forced to miss the Tokyo Olympics when she tested positive for
COVID.
"I never thought in a million years I would have the honour of
carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening
ceremony," Gauff said in a statement.
"I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as
we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage
there is."
Gauff and James earned their selections through a vote of their
fellow U.S. athletes, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
(USOPC) said.
"To be nominated by your teammates for this honour speaks
volumes about the way in which Coco approaches her sport and her
role as a member of Team USA," USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said.
The tennis world number two Gauff exploded onto the
international stage five years ago when she beat her idol, Venus
Williams, in a dream run to the Wimbledon fourth round when she
was just 15-years-old.
She clinched her maiden major title at the U.S. Open last year.
Gauff is expected to compete in both the singles and doubles on
the clay courts at Roland Garros, when the Olympic tennis
competition begins on July 27.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in Paris; Editing by Christian
Radnedge) [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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