Team USA flag-bearers Coco Gauff & LeBron James brave through rain to reach Paris Olympics opening ceremony; Gauff joins tennis team in fun hype video

Team USA flag-bearers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Coco Gauff and LeBron James, braved through the rain to make their way to the opening ceremony along with the rest of the American contingent. Gauff, in her maiden Olympics appearance, has made history as the youngest ever flag-bearer for the USA at the Games.

With the ceremony taking place on Friday on a rainy Paris evening, Gauff and James were given special scarfs to mark them as the flag-bearers of the home country. The tennis prodigy and the NBA superstar also wore special white jackets as flag-bearers, while the rest of the American Olympians donned blue jackets.

The World No. 2 also joined the rest of the tennis team in a special hype video before getting to the opening ceremony. Danielle Collins, Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul, Christopher Eubanks and others featured alongside Coco Gauff in the clip posted on her TikTok, showcasing their unique handshakes and high-fiving each other in good spirits.

Speaking about being chosen to become USA's flag-bearer at the 2024 Olympics, Gauff admitted that she did not think it would be possible in a million years and was elated at the opportunity to join an American legend like LeBron James.

"I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony. I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is - at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world,” Gauff said.

Coco Gauff in action at three events at 2024 Paris Olympics

Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Previews - Source: Getty

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Coco Gauff will be in action at three events -- the women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles. In singles, the 20-year-old is set to open her campaign against Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic. Seeded No. 2 at the event, Gauff is one of the favorites for the title, alongside World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.

In women's doubles, Gauff and her partner Jessica Pegula are the top seeds and will lock horns with Australian duo Ellen Perez and Daria Saville in the opening round. Meanwhile, in mixed doubles, Gauff is playing alongside men's American No. 1 Taylor Fritz, and will square off against Argentina's Nadia Podoroska and Maximo Gonzalez.