LONDON — LeBron James, a four-time Olympian seeking his third gold medal, will carry the American flag for the U.S. delegation at the opening ceremony of the Paris Games along the Seine River on Friday.
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in a news release Monday that James won a vote among nearly 600 Team USA members to carry the flag. A female athlete was also selected, and the committee said the vote would be announced Tuesday.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially at a time that can bring the whole world together,” said James, 39, whose popularity has grown far beyond his country as the face of the NBA and the sport’s all-time leading scorer.
“As a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything, not just to me, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations,” he said. “Sports has the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
Two other USA Basketball players — Sue Bird in 2021 and Dawn Staley in 2004 — have served as flag bearers. Steph Curry, making her first Olympic appearance, was also nominated.
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James was on the 2004 Olympic team that finished third in Greece, and was co-captain of the 2008 “Redeem Team” that started the current streak of four consecutive Olympic gold medals for the U.S. men. He last played at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where he and the current U.S. team play an exhibition match against Germany on Monday night.
James is Team USA’s all-time leader in assists. He is also a four-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP, and has appeared in more All-Star games (20) than any player in history.
“We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes as they embark on a remarkable journey together,” said Sarah Hirshland, USOPC executive director, in a press release.
The Olympics Opening Ceremony — the first ever to take place outside a stadium — will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Paris (1:30 p.m. in New York) and will be broadcast live on NBC. Delegations will sail across the river on boats and exit beneath the Eiffel Tower.
The USOPC expected more than 350 of the 592 U.S. athletes to participate in the ceremony.
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(Photo: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)
