LeBron James will be one of two American athletes carrying the U.S. flag during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, as announced by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) on Monday. This honor of carrying the flag is a significant one, chosen through a vote by their fellow Olympic athletes. The female flag bearer, who will accompany James, is set to be revealed on Tuesday.
The first time ever a basketball player has been chosen to be the male flag bearer in United States Olympic history:
LeBron James, Paris 2024. 🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/AuQdGsAK0R
— Bron’s Best (@LBJsBest) July 22, 2024
At 39, James is not only a seasoned 20-time NBA All-Star but also holds the title of the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, a milestone he achieved last year. His illustrious Olympic journey has seen him lead Team USA to medals on three occasions, securing two golds. James first stepped onto the Olympic stage in Athens 20 years ago at the age of 19, where the team won bronze, marking the only time Team USA didn’t clinch gold since the inclusion of professional players in 1992. After his golden performances in 2008 and 2012, James took a break from the Olympics in 2016 and 2021. His return to the Games this year is widely anticipated to be his final Olympic appearance.
The selection of flag bearers underscores their dedication and exemplary representation of Team USA. “We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony, and officially open the Paris 2024 Games,” said Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO. She emphasized the honor and testament it is to James’ passion for Team USA and his commitment to basketball.
LeBron James has been chosen to carry the flag for the United States at the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony
Becomes the first male basketball player to be selected as flag bearer in US. history pic.twitter.com/Th82X6ihjz— HBCU Premier Sports & More (@HBCUSports1) July 22, 2024
James’ nomination for this prestigious role came from his teammate and fellow NBA All-Star, Steph Curry. Curry highlighted the honor associated with the role, stating, “We understand how much of an honor it is to be in that position, and I think Bron’s entire career on and off the court speaks for itself as him being worthy of that honor.”
Over the years, notable figures have carried the U.S. flag, including women’s basketball star Sue Bird, swimmer Michael Phelps with his record 28 Olympic medals, and gymnast Simone Biles, who took on the role in 2016 and aims to add more medals to her collection this year.
LeBron James to be Team USA’s male flag bearer for Olympic Opening Ceremony https://t.co/A5ktg26ame
— CTV Edmonton (@ctvedmonton) July 22, 2024
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics will be a grand spectacle with teams making their entrance by floating down the River Seine, creating a unique and picturesque route through the heart of Paris. Fans will line the bridges and banks to witness the event, which is scheduled to commence at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Key Points:
- LeBron James will be one of two U.S. flag bearers at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, chosen by a vote from fellow athletes.
- James, a 20-time NBA All-Star and NBA’s all-time scoring leader, has previously led Team USA to two gold medals and one bronze in the Olympics.
- James’ nomination came from Steph Curry, highlighting James’ career achievements and dedication to Team USA.
- The opening ceremony will feature teams floating down the River Seine, starting at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time, creating a unique parade through Paris.
- Previous flag bearers have included notable athletes like Sue Bird, Michael Phelps, and Simone Biles, marking the honor’s significance.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
