LeBron James carries the flag of the USA at the Olympics in Paris: a historic moment
23 july 2024 в 18:13
On Friday, July 26, the flag of the United States will be carried by LeBron James.
The four-time NBA champion was chosen by his fellow Olympians as the flag bearer for the men’s US team at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, the American team announced on Monday.
He becomes the third basketball player — and the first male — to carry the US flag at the start of the Olympics. He joins Dawn Staley, the first basketball player of any gender from the US to carry the flag at the Athens Games in 2004, and Sue Bird, a five-time gold medalist who carried the flag at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
«It is an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially at a time that can unite the whole world», - said James.
«For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything not only to me, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and many people across the country with big ambitions. Sport has the power to unite us all, and I am proud to be part of this important moment».
The 39-year-old superstar athlete learned of the honor on Monday in London, just hours before the US men’s team was scheduled to play their final pre-Olympic exhibition match against world champion Germany.
«The moment LeBron James found out he would be the first #USABMNT athlete to serve as the flag bearer for @TeamUSA», - USA Basketball tweeted.
«We understand how much of an honor it is to be in this position, and I think Bron’s entire career, both on and off the court, speaks for itself in terms of him deserving this honor», - said 36-year-old Steph Curry in a nomination video.
«He exemplified what it means to be great both on and off the court. His commitment to serving and supporting the community in every way possible has been a lifelong passion», - added his teammate. «And the work speaks for itself».
His female counterpart, who will also carry the flag on the barge along with boats carrying all the other teams along the Seine River in front of 300,000 spectators, will be announced today, July 23. The International Olympic Committee decided in 2020 that national delegations would have two flag bearers — one male and one female — at the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
The practice of carrying flags at the opening ceremony began at the 1908 Summer Games in London.
«We will proudly watch as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a wonderful journey together», - said Sarah Hirshland, head of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, in a statement
The four-time NBA champion was chosen by his fellow Olympians as the flag bearer for the men’s US team at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, the American team announced on Monday.
He becomes the third basketball player — and the first male — to carry the US flag at the start of the Olympics. He joins Dawn Staley, the first basketball player of any gender from the US to carry the flag at the Athens Games in 2004, and Sue Bird, a five-time gold medalist who carried the flag at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
«It is an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially at a time that can unite the whole world», - said James.
«For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything not only to me, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and many people across the country with big ambitions. Sport has the power to unite us all, and I am proud to be part of this important moment».
The 39-year-old superstar athlete learned of the honor on Monday in London, just hours before the US men’s team was scheduled to play their final pre-Olympic exhibition match against world champion Germany.
«The moment LeBron James found out he would be the first #USABMNT athlete to serve as the flag bearer for @TeamUSA», - USA Basketball tweeted.
«We understand how much of an honor it is to be in this position, and I think Bron’s entire career, both on and off the court, speaks for itself in terms of him deserving this honor», - said 36-year-old Steph Curry in a nomination video.
«He exemplified what it means to be great both on and off the court. His commitment to serving and supporting the community in every way possible has been a lifelong passion», - added his teammate. «And the work speaks for itself».
His female counterpart, who will also carry the flag on the barge along with boats carrying all the other teams along the Seine River in front of 300,000 spectators, will be announced today, July 23. The International Olympic Committee decided in 2020 that national delegations would have two flag bearers — one male and one female — at the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
The practice of carrying flags at the opening ceremony began at the 1908 Summer Games in London.
«We will proudly watch as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a wonderful journey together», - said Sarah Hirshland, head of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, in a statement
© Kolganov Andrey
