Coco Gauff will finally get the chance to become an Olympian this summer, with the WTA Tour star a part of the United States team that has headed to Paris. The Games are already underway, with the Opening Ceremony taking place on the Seine River on Friday evening, with Gauff the flag bearer.
The tennis event kicks off on Saturday, and the 20-year-old is included in the draw. It will be the first time the American will play under the Olympic rings for her country, having been forced to miss the previous edition in Tokyo three years ago.
With the 2021 Olympics taking place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gauff was one of the unfortunate athletes who lost out on their dream after contracting the virus in the build-up. “It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics,” she said in a statement at the time.
“I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future. I want to wish TEAM USA the best of luck and safe games for every Olympian and the entire Olympic family.”
Fortunately for Gauff, that opportunity has come back around, with the added honor of carrying the U.S. flag at the opening ceremony alongside LeBron James. “I wanted to cry when I found out but my whole team was there, so I went in the corner and I did it,” Gauff said of being selected.
“I truly am in shock and I don’t take it for granted I’m going to try to take it all in and I know this will be a memory I will remember for the rest of my life. Honestly, walking around the village last night, so many people came up and congratulated me.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk