Mikaela Shiffrin recently congratulated the professional tennis player, Coco Gauff, for being selected as the youngest American flag-bearer in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Gauff became the first tennis player to receive such an honor after getting majority votes from her fellow US Olympic team members.
Mikaela Shiffrin, the winningest alpine skier in history with 97 World Cup wins in her wall of fame, has a penchant for other sporting avenues, especially tennis. She often lauds the efforts of Polish tennis player, Iga Swiatek, who is the current World No.1 in women's singles.
On the other hand, US tennis player, Coco Gauff, current world No.1 in doubles and No. 2 in singles, also drew Shiffrin's attention with her path-breaking achievements. Recently, the 20-year-old was selected as the youngest flag-bearer for the American team at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Mikaela Shiffrin took to her X to congratulate the young tennis icon and express anticipation over the opening ceremony in Paris, which will mark a historic moment for Team USA.
"What a well deserved honor! Congrats, @CocoGauff - can’t wait to cheer you and the rest of @TeamUSA on the next couple of weeks!" Shiffrin wrote.
Gauff will surpass the record of former alpine skier Cindy Nelson, who was the then-youngest Olympic flag-bearer at the 1976 Winter Games at 21.
Coco Gauff will head to the Olympics in pursuit of her first Olympic medal. She was forced to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after being tested positive for COVID-19 just five days before the opening ceremony.
At the 2023 US Open, she became the youngest US player to win the Grand Slam singles title since Serena Williams achieved it at the 1999 US Open. Over the past year and the 2024 French Open, Gauff amassed a total of nine Grand Slam doubles titles.
Mikaela Shiffrin was in awe of Coco Gauff's Vogue Magazine photoshoot
In a recent Vogue Magazine photoshoot for Michael Kors collection, Gauff brought out the best of her sporty nature. The photo collection featured her in a sequined dress on the Vogue cover, in a white dress mid-action, and a shiny bodycon on the beach.
"Thank you @voguemagazine for this amazing cover. it’s truly an honor and i am forever grateful for this opportunity," Gauff wrote on her X handle.
Mikael Shiffrin, in awe of Gauff's Vogue photo series, was quick to leave a comment on Gauff's post:
"Gorgeous!! looks awesome, Coco!" she wrote.
Mikaela Shiffrin will kick start the 2024/25 Alpine Skiing World Cup later in 2024 while Coco Gauff will head to her first Games in Paris.