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LA Lakers star LeBron James and tennis star Coco Gauff were on cloud nine as they took it all in during the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. Both athletes were named flag bearers for the 2024 Olympics and were the frontrunners during the opening ceremony of the prestigious event.
James made history as he became the first NBA player chosen to be the men's flag-bearer for the USA, and Gauff was chosen as the women's flag-bearer. Both of them were honored to have a part in carrying the nation's flag. In a video shared on Instagram, both athletes were all smiles as they made history despite the rainy weather in Paris.
"Mama we made it!" James said.
"We made it!" Gauff added.
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Both athletes are at the top of their games right now and were the perfect choices to carry the stars and the stripes.
LeBron James as the flag-bearer draws memes from fans
James has had a significant amount of memes throughout the two decades he's been playing professional basketball. As he participates in the Olympics for a fourth time, a new wave of memes has emerged and the games haven't even started.
Photos of him carrying the flag for the USA team were immediately used by fans as a new form of meme.
"Telling my kids LeBron was the president," one X user said.
"General Lebron James crossing the Delaware," another fan chimed in.
"LeBron leading his army to battle (2024)," one fan posted.
"LeBron James looks like he just founded America," another fan pointed out.
The games haven't started, and fans have already made memes of James. Still, it's a way for fans to commemorate the historic moment for the NBA star and Coco Gauff.
Who have been the other flag-bearers for Team USA?
In the history of the Olympics, many notable athletes waved the US flag. James joins an elite group of players who were given the honor of being flag-bearers in the past.
Some of the most notable names are women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, WNBA legend Sue Bird and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. The decorated group now has two new additions, James and Gauff, who have excelled as some of the top athletes in the world.
