Perhaps the most prominent team member leads the USA’s Olympic team. LeBron James speaks of a great “honor.”
LeBron James will carry the USA flag at the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris. According to the Americans, the two-time gold medalist will lead the team at the ceremony on Friday.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said, adding: “Sport has the power to bring us all together and I’m proud to be part of this important moment.”
The NBA legend follows basketball player Sue Bird and baseball player Eduardo “Eddy” Alvarez, who were flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Summer Games in Tokyo. Which woman will carry the flag alongside James will be announced on Tuesday, the US National Olympic Committee announced.
LeBron James wants third gold medal
The 39-year-old James from the Los Angeles Lakers is aiming for another Olympic victory in France. He already triumphed with the star ensemble in 2008 and 2012 and is now once again the favorite. World champions Germany are likely to be one of the toughest opponents at the tournament with the group stage in Lille and the final round in Paris.
“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything, but not just to myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations,” James said.
It will be announced on Thursday who will carry the German flag. Voting was open to the public until Sunday. Among the men, tennis pro Alexander Zverev, basketball player Dennis Schröder and marksman Christian Reitz are up for selection. The women’s candidates are dressage rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, footballer Alexandra Popp and judo fighter Anna-Maria Wagner.
