James has been selected by U.S. Olympians as the male flag bearer for Friday night’s opening ceremony in Paris. He became the third basketball player and the first to carry an American flag at the start of the Olympics, joining Dawn Staley at the 2004 Athens Games and Sue Bird at the Tokyo Summer Olympics.
“It is an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially during this time when the world is united,” James said. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything not only to myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, Olympians and people all over the country who have great ambitions. Saying it means everything. Sports has the power to bring us all together and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.
The 39-year-old learned of the honor in London on Monday, just hours before the U.S. men’s team is scheduled to play its final pre-Olympic exhibition game against Germany.
James’ long-time on-court rival, first-time Olympian Stephen Curry, nominated James for the flag-bearer role.
Curry, who voted on behalf of USA Basketball, said: “We know what an honor it is to hold this position, and I think LeBron’s entire career, both on and off the court, is enough to prove that he is worthy of this honor.” Basketball team, said in the nominated film. “He excelled on and off the field and was committed to serving and uplifting the community in every way, which he knew had been his life’s passion. The work speaks for itself.
The female flag bearer for the United States is expected to be announced on Tuesday. The International Olympic Committee decided in 2020 that delegations will have two flag-bearers at the opening ceremony – one male and one female – in a move to promote gender equality. Team USA expects nearly 600 athletes to compete in the Paris Games, 53% of whom are women.
“Being chosen by his teammates to carry the flag is a huge honor and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his commitment to the sport,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Dedication to sport.
James – a four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time scoring leader who is entering his record-breaking 22nd NBA season – will compete in his fourth Olympics after winning a bronze medal with Team USA in 2004 and a gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Gold medal, and again in London in 2012.
This will be an opening ceremony like no other. Thousands of athletes will form a fleet at sunset and sail down the Seine towards the Eiffel Tower. The 3.7-mile route was watched by approximately 320,000 guests from the riverbank, and Olympic officials estimate that approximately 1 billion people watched on television around the world.
James and U.S. Olympians will have to wait longer than almost any other nation for a trip to the Seine. As is customary with the International Olympic Committee, Greece will lead the parade, with NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo as one of two flag-bearers, followed by the Refugee Olympic Team and then representatives from around 200 countries. group. The United States plans to be second to last in the parade, as Los Angeles will host the next Summer Olympics in 2028.
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France, as the host, will be the last country in the opening parade. Their men’s basketball team, featuring reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, will play its opener on Saturday and is not expected to attend the opening ceremony.
