For the first time ever, Team USA’s flag bearer at the Olympic Games will be a men’s basketball player. With that type of history, it makes sense that the person who’ll buck the trend is none other than LeBron James. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA champion, James has reigned over the basketball world for more than a decade.
Leading the way for Team USA. 🇺🇸
Two-time Olympic gold medalist @KingJames has been selected as our men’s flag bearer for the #ParisOlympics Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/NN4NLWwwfc
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 22, 2024
“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 says of the honor.
From Akron, Ohio, representing @TeamUSA at the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony… LeBron James. 👑🇺🇸
“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. For a kid from Akron, this… pic.twitter.com/FC8dtI9TKF
— LeBron James Family Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) July 22, 2024
“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only 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. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, fellow four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and USA Basketball nominated James to be Team USA’s flag bearer.
LeBron James Gets Team USA Olympic Honor
Perhaps no athlete is a better representation of the quintessential American Dream than James.
Raised in an impoverished community, James’s athletic abilities gave him an opportunity to escape a fate that many others didn’t. His physical gifts are largely natural, but the dedication that it took to hone his skills was of his own conation. That focus has carried him from a neighborhood ravaged by drugs and violence to the pinnacle of superstardom. He’s no longer sleeping on couches out of necessity, but a billionaire with multiple investments and a tremendous amount of influence.
Take away James’s highlights or championships and he’s still a hardworking family man; the American ideal. That he’s utilized his wealth to provide opportunities to underprivileged children in his hometown speaks even more to his character.
So, when it comes to representing America, there may not be another athlete who does it better.
In a statement about James’s selection as flag bearer, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland says:
“We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony, and officially open the Paris 2024 Games. Being selected by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor – and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his dedication to his sport. We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a remarkable journey together.”
Team USA will announce the women’s flag-bearer on Tuesday. Among their potential selections, gymnast Simone Biles may be the best choice.
The 27-year-old Biles is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, 23-time World Champion gold medalist, nine-time national all-around champion, six-time World all-around champion and the 2016 Olympic all-around gold medalist. While the most decorated athlete in her sport, Biles also represents women who have been victims of sexual assault.
In 2022, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
