‘Incredible honour’: LeBron James to make history at Paris Olympics
LeBron James will make history at the Paris Olympics, after the 39-year-old basketball was chosen to perform his country’s highest honour.
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LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading points scorer, will be the male flag-bearer for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, the USOPC announced on Monday.
James, 39, was picked by his fellow US Olympians for Friday’s ceremony on the river Seine. The female flag-bearer will be announced on Tuesday.
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“It’s an incredible honour to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” Los Angeles Lakers power forward James said in a statement from the USOPC.
Fellow NBA star and USA teammate Steph Curry informed James of the news in a team meeting.
James was given the honour after a vote by all Team USA Olympics athletes.
“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations.
“Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
The ceremony on the Seine will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main stadium.
The four-time NBA champion is the first male basketballer to carry the flag for the USA, while WNBA legends Sue Bird and Dawn Stanley have previously had the honour.
James, an Olympic gold medallist in 2008 and 2012, is not the only NBA star set to bear the flag for his country in Paris.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and league champion in 2021, will perform the role for Greece.
The USA have not yet announced their female flag-bearer.
Australia are yet to announce their flag-bearer, with canoe slalom champion Jessica Fox and hockey veteran Eddie Ockenden the favourites to carry the flag.
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Originally published as ‘Incredible honour’: LeBron James to make history at Paris Olympics
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