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The USA Paris Olympics contingent has nominated basketball legend LeBron James as the country's male flagbearer for the opening ceremony. James, at the age of 40, has continued his domination on the highest level of his sport and is leading Team USA in the men's basketball discipline as the Americans look to win their fifth consecutive gold medal.
LeBron James becomes the third basketball player and the first men’s player to carry the US flag at the start of an Olympics. James joins the ranks of Dawn Staley, in the Athens Games in 2004, and Sue Bird at the last Summer Games, in Tokyo. The 39-year-old was named the flagbearer in London a few hours before Team USA's last pre-Olympics exhibition game against Germany.
LeBron James to be USA’s male flagbearer at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Speaking about the opportunity, LeBron James said, " It’s an incredible honour to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together. For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself but to my family, all the kids in my home town, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment."
The female US flagbearer is expected to be revealed on Tuesday. The International Olympic Committee brought in a change in 2020 that national delegations would have two flagbearers – one male and one female at the opening ceremony. The decision was taken to promote gender parity.
