LeBron James will be one of two flag bearers for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Friday.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced Monday that James, who is heading into his fourth and likely final Games, will be the team’s male flag bearer.
The United States Olympic Committee (USOPC) announced Tuesday that its female flag bearer will be announced. For decades, participating nations were forced to choose just one athlete to carry their flag at ceremonies; but at Tokyo 2021, the International Olympic Committee began allowing each nation to choose two flag bearers: one man and one woman.
James, who missed the last two Olympics, was chosen by his fellow athletes. The USOPC said its Athletes’ Commission conducted a voting process, putting the decision in the hands of the 592 members of Team USA.
In Tokyo, the first duo to carry an American flag was Eddie Alvarez and Sue Bird.
James will be the third basketball player to carry the Team USA flag at an Olympic opening ceremony (after Bird and Dawn Staley), but the first man.
He is seeking his fourth Olympic medal and third gold. His Games debut came in 2004, when the U.S. men took bronze. But he helped lead the 2008 “Redeem Team” and the 2012 team to gold. He then declined to play in 2016 and 2021; the U.S. won both golds without him. As a team, they are seeking their fifth consecutive Olympic title.
And they are among the stars of these Paris Olympics. The fact that James was chosen to carry the American flag reinforces that point.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this world stage, especially at a moment that can bring the entire world together,” James said in a statement. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything — not just to me, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, my fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with high aspirations. Sports have the power to unite us all, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
The unprecedented opening ceremony, to be held on and along the banks of the River Seine in the heart of Paris, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET, NBC) on Friday.
In the Parade of Nations, a procession of boats along the Seine, the United States will take second-to-last place, as host of the next Summer Games (Los Angeles 2028). More than 350 American athletes are expected to take part.
