2024-07-22 23:22:38
Basketball player LeBron James will be the USA’s male flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics this Friday with a boat procession along the Seine River.
The 39-year-old James, who is the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time, will represent his country in the Olympics for the fourth time after 2004, 2008 and 2012. In its previous appearances, Team USA won bronze in Athens and gold medals in Beijing and London.
James will become the third basketball player to be the flag bearer of the American delegation. Before him, two of the legends of women’s basketball – Dawn Staley in Athens and Sue Bird in Tokyo three years ago – were awarded with a similar honor.
“It’s an incredible honor for me to represent the United States on the global stage, especially at a time like this that can bring the whole world together. To me, as a kid from Akron, this responsibility being entrusted to me means everything. Not only to my family, but for all the kids in Akron, for my teammates, for our Olympic team, and for the aspirations of so many people around the world. Sports has the power to unite, and I’m proud to be a part of this momentous moment,” said James.
His opening ceremony partner will be announced on Tuesday.