US Olympic legend Michael Johnson expressed disappointment with Team USA’s choice of flag bearers for the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. Tennis star Coco Gauff and basketball icon LeBron James carried the American flag down the Seine River during the parade of athletes. Johnson felt that the selection was driven by popularity rather than tradition and suggested that seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles would have been a more appropriate choice, assuming she was available.
Biles, who served as the flag bearer during the 2016 Rio Olympics closing ceremony, did not participate in the opening festivities to rest for her upcoming competition on Sunday. Gymnasts competing soon after the ceremony were advised to conserve their energy, which led to Biles and her teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey skipping the event.
Despite Johnson’s criticism, the flag bearers were chosen through a vote by Team USA athletes. Gauff, the youngest flag bearer in US Olympic history and the first tennis player to hold the honor, was selected along with James, who carried the flag for the first time in his four Summer Games appearances. Gauff, who missed the 2020 Tokyo Games due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, will make her Olympics debut in Paris, competing in singles, doubles with Jessica Pegula, and mixed doubles with Taylor Fritz.
Gauff’s emotional reaction to her selection highlighted the significance of the honor. Despite the controversy, she expressed excitement and pride in representing Team USA alongside James.
