LONDON — LeBron James, a soon-to-be four-time Olympian taking pictures for his third gold medal, will carry the American flag for the USA delegation throughout the Paris Video games opening ceremony Friday alongside the River Seine.
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee stated Monday in a information launch that James had received a vote amongst almost 600 members of Crew USA to hold the flag. A feminine athlete was additionally chosen and the committee stated that vote could be revealed Tuesday.
“It’s an unimaginable honor to signify the USA on this world stage, particularly in a second that may carry the entire world collectively,” stated James, 39, whose recognition has soared nicely past his nation because the face of the NBA and the game’s all-time main scorer.
“For a child from Akron, this accountability means the whole lot to not solely myself, however to my household, all the children in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many individuals throughout the nation with large aspirations,” he stated. “Sports activities have the facility to carry us all collectively, and I’m proud to be part of this essential second.”
Two different USA Basketball gamers — Sue Chicken in 2021 and Daybreak Staley in 2004 — have served as flag bearers. Steph Curry, who’s competing in his first Olympics, was additionally nominated.
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James was on the 2004 Olympic group that completed third in Greece, and was co-captain of the “Redeem Crew” in 2008 that began the present string of 4 consecutive Olympic golds for the American males. He final performed within the Olympics in 2012 in London, the place he and the present American group will play an exhibition Monday evening in opposition to Germany.
James is Crew USA’s all-time chief in assists. He’s additionally a four-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP, and has appeared in additional All-Star video games (20) than any participant in historical past.
“We are going to watch with nice satisfaction because the flag bearers lead our athletes who’re about to embark on a exceptional journey collectively,” Sarah Hirshland, chief government of the USOPC, stated in a launch.
The Olympic opening ceremony — the primary ever exterior a stadium — will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Paris (1:30 p.m. in New York) and can be proven stay on NBC. Delegations are set to drift on barges down the river and exit beneath the Eiffel Tower.
The USOPC stated it anticipated greater than 350 of the 592 American athletes to take part within the ceremony.
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(Picture: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP by way of Getty Pictures)