She’s reppin’ us proudly!
The upcoming Paris Olympics are fast upon us and as we prepare to root for our favorite athletes, we are more than ecstatic for the games to get underway. Recently, tennis phenom Coco Gauff gathered with her Team USA peers for what she thought was a routine meet-up ahead of the 2024 Olympics. It turns out, Gauff would be bestowed with a historic honor, the news coming from friend and fellow tennis teammate Christopher Eubanks.
“So obviously, I think most of you guys know, Coco and I have been really close from a really young age. I’ve got to see this girl grow up, so I’m sure she’s very excited to be here at her first Olympics. It’s a pretty special moment,” Eubanks started as Gauff looked around nervously.
“Your year last year was incredible. You obviously 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,” Eubanks continued to much applause.
Gauff looked visibly shocked, covering her mouth in true astonishment. As her teammates congratulated her with cheers, she shared her excitement with the team.
“I was not expecting that. Thank you. That’s really cool. Oh wow, okay!,” she said, embracing Eubanks.
Gauff profusely thanked everyone, saying that she wasn’t going to cry, before posing with the custom Ralph Lauren flag bearer jacket. Gauff now makes history as the youngest Team USA athlete to ever be a flag bearer. She will share the honor with NBA icon LeBron James as the two kick off the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading the 592-member 2024 U.S. Olympic Team. There are also reports that legendary rapper Snoop Dogg is set to carry the Olympic torch during the final stretch of the opening ceremony.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to kick off this Friday, July 26th.
Cover photo: Coco Gauff Makes History as Youngest Team USA Athlete to Ever Be a Flag Bearer/Photo Credit: Team USA/Instagram