Coco Gauff under criticism from fans after appointment as USA flag-bearer at Paris Olympics 2024, with claims of Simone Biles being more deserving

Coco Gauff was announced as the flag bearer for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 24. The appointment should’ve been one of the greatest moments of her young career, but it has been marred by controversy.

Gauff’s selection as the flag bearer alongside basketball legend LeBron James is historic, given she is the youngest-ever American athlete and the first tennis player to bag the honor. The 20-year-old, who is set to make her Olympic debut at the Paris event, was relayed the news by her compatriot and colleague Christopher Eubanks during the US tennis team’s official photoshoot.

Coco Gauff’s colleagues, including Danielle Collins, Jessica Pegula, and Taylor Fritz, celebrated her selection with loud cheers and applause. Her mother Candi and father Corey, too, looked elated by the news. And while several tennis fans also backed the young Grand Slam champion, the decision to appoint her as the flag-bearer was met with criticism from some quarters.

Many brought up other female Olympic athletes from the country, including four-time gold medalist Simone Biles and seven-time gold medalist Katie Ledecky, whom they deemed more deserving than the World No. 2. It should be noted that Biles was chosen as the flag bearer at the Rio Olympics closing ceremony, aged 19.

"Why not Simone Biles ?? this must be a joke !" one person wrote about the most decorated gymnast in history.

"It’s a joke? Why is not Katie Ledecky? Who’s Coco? Only one GS, big shame," another fan wrote.

A few individuals claimed that the decision was "racially" and "politically" fueled and questioned the “timing” of the selection.

"The timing is uncanny. They can't allow Katie Ledecky to carry the flag coz she is white. Isn't that racism, even if she deserves it way more?"

"Political BS! Seriously isn’t it supposed to be an accomplished OLYMPIAN? She hasn’t won ever an Olympic medal."

"Really overrated, sorry not deserved," yet another individual chimed in.

Sports fans on Instagram react to Coco Gauff's appointment as Team USA's flag bearer

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Coco Gauff was appointed the flag bearer at Paris Olympics after voting by the American contingent

Team USA's tennis players celebrate Coco Gauff's achievement (Image Source: Getty)

It is worth noting that Coco Gauff was bestowed the flag-bearer honor courtesy a vote by her fellow American athletes. The decision was reached after more than 500 competitors partaking in the 2024 Paris Olympics cast their votes.

The reigning US Open champion was grateful for their support and shared her delight on social media.

"I just want to say thank you to my fellow team usa olympians/athletes for voting and choosing me for this incredible honor to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony. Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored," she wrote on X.

While Coco Gauff was eligible to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she was forced to withdraw after contracting COVID-19 just days before she was to fly to Japan. The World No. 2 would hope to make the most of the upcoming opportunity at Roland-Garros.

Gauff is set to bid for three medals: in singles, in women’s doubles alongside Jessica Pegula, and in mixed doubles alongside Taylor Fritz.