His fellow Olympians have chosen LeBron James to carry the Team USA flag during the opening ceremony on the River Seine in Paris on Friday.
James is the first men’s basketball player to carry the Team USA banner. Sue Bird (2020) and Dawn Staley (2004) were the previous honorees. This is James’ fourth Olympics. He won gold medals in Beijing in 2008, London in 2012, and bronze in Athens in 2004.
“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 in a statement from London, where Team USA will play its last pre-Olympic exhibition game against Germany on Monday.
“As a child from Akron, this duty means everything to not just me, but to my family, all the kids in my community, my teammates, other Olympians, and so many more individuals throughout the nation with huge dreams. Sports have the capacity to unite us all, and I’m honored to be a part of this historic occasion.”
Stephen Curry, who made a video in support of the nomination, and USA Basketball nominated James for the prize.
We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony, officially opening the Paris 2024 Games,” U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a statement. “Being chosen by your teammates to carry the flag is a fantastic honor, and it demonstrates LeBron’s enthusiasm for Team USA and devotion to his sport. We will watch with joy as the flag bearers guide our athletes on an incredible adventure together.”
The woman flag-bearer for Team USA will be formally announced on Tuesday.
What time is the 2024 Olympic opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics will start at 2 p.m. ET.
Where can I watch the Paris Olympics opening ceremony?
NBC will broadcast the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Olympics will be broadcast live on Peacock.
What is the Olympic flag bearer?
At the Olympic Games’ opening and closing ceremonies, flag bearers carry their respective countries’ national flags. Men and women from all throughout the nation, representing a range of sports, have carried the flag in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Did LeBron James make it to the Olympics?
He won gold medals in 2008 and 2012 and made his Olympic debut in 2004. James also won the 2007 FIBA Tournament of the Americas gold medal. When he enters the court this summer, the 2012 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year will join Anthony and Durant as the only three American men to have competed in four Olympics.
Has LeBron James played for the USA?
James, a two-time Olympic champion who helped lead USA Basketball to gold medals in 2008 and 2012, played in his first Olympics in 2004, capturing bronze at the age of 19.
Why is LeBron James famous?
LeBron James is an American professional basketball player who is largely regarded as one of the best all-around players of all time. James has won four NBA titles with three different clubs and was awarded MVP four times.
