Four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson has questioned Team USA’s decision to make Coco Gauff its flag bearer.
The tennis star joined LeBron James at the head of Team USA’s opening ceremony boat to hold the flag as they made their way down the Seine on Friday night.
Gauff is the reigning US Open champion and a contender for the gold medal in women’s tennis in Paris.
But Johnson questioned whether she was the best choice to be the face of Team USA because of the sport she plays.
The 56-year-old, who won gold medals at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics, believes the honour should have gone to another athlete.
Michael Johnson has questioned Team USA’s decision to make Coco Gauff its flag bearer
The tennis star joined LeBron James at the head of the Team USA opening ceremony boat.
Speaking on the BBC, Johnson said: “I’m a bit disappointed with the selection of the US team.
“I was expecting her to be a Simone Biles or an Olympian from a traditional Olympic sport. I think they were looking for popularity.
“Unless Simone said she didn’t want to (because she has to prepare for the competition). That’s a possibility.”
Gauff is the youngest flag bearer for her country at the Summer Olympics and the first tennis player to receive that honor.
Meanwhile, Biles skipped the opening ceremony on Friday night because she is preparing for the start of the gymnastics competition on Sunday.
Simone Biles was a contender but skipped the ceremony to focus on her gymnastics.
Her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, were quick to explain her absence during an interview with NBC News Hoda Kotb and Snoop Dogg-Diaz
“The first competition is on Sunday,” Nellie explained, “which is the women’s qualifying round. And of course she needs to rest before that competition.”
The 27-year-old was advised to avoid lengthy procedures, along with teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey.
Nellie added: “She’s feeling really good. I spoke to her this morning and she’s doing really well. She’s in a really good place.”