'I was hoping for a Simone Biles"- Michael Johnson expresses disappointment in Coco Gauff being selected as Team USA's flagbearer for Paris Olympics

Michael Johnson expressed his disappointment in the selection of the flag bearer for Team USA at the Paris Olympics. The legendary American sprinter spoke about having another athlete from a traditional Olympic sport as the flag bearer of Team USA.

Coco Gauff was named as the flagbearer for Team USA at the Olympics alongside basketball player, LeBron James. Her selection sparked debate among some fans who were divided on the decision. A section of them felt that athletes like Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles should have been given the opportunity to be the flag bearer of the team considering their incredible performances over various Olympic Games.

Johnson spoke to BBC about Team USA's decision and expressed his disappointment on the eve of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. According to him, Biles would have been perfect as the flag bearer of the team. However, Johnson felt that the Team's decision was based on the popularity of an athlete.

"I'm a little disappointed with USA team's choice. I was hoping for a Simone Biles or an Olympic athlete from a traditional Olympic sport. I think they went for popularity. Unless Simone said she didn't want to. That's a possibility," he said.

Biles skipped the Opening Ceremony as her qualifying rounds were scheduled for the Sunday.

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Michael Johnson at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Olympic & Paralympic Games, Paris 2024 and Beyond - Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2024 - Source: Getty

Michael Johnson was one of the legendary athletes to grace the star-studded Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. The American has joined BBC Sport for the Paris Olympics and will be a part of their official broadcast during the games.

Johnson took to X (formerly twitter) to share glimpses of the opening ceremony in Paris. He shared a video from the studio of the dazzling light show at the Eiffel Tower conducted during the Ceremony.

"Great view from the BBC studio! ," he wrote.

Moreover, he shared his thoughts on the unique nature of this year's Opening Ceremony, alongside a video of Team USA's contingent enjoying their boat ride. He felt that the parade on the boats was better than the traditional ceremony held inside a stadium.

"I’m not sure the spectator experience was great, but I think athletes enjoyed this Opening Ceremony more than the traditional wait for hours, walk in to the middle of the stadium and standing for hours before the lighting of the cauldron," he wrote.

Johnson will be providing commentary on the Olympics as a BBC correspondent, raising anticipation among fans for insightful analysis of the quadrennial Games.