Team USA arrived in style ahead of their Opening Ceremony appearance along the River Seine in Paris.
As part of one of the most ambitious ceremonies in the history of the games, Team USA will complete a trip on boats down the famous river that cuts through the City of Lights.
Decked out in their special-made and controversial Ralph Lauren outfits, the Olympic athletes of the United States are set to make their way to the Trocadero where a temporary stadium has been built.
Among the athletes getting ready are Coco Gauff and LeBron James, the two flag bearers who have swapped their blue blazers for white coats signifying their responsibilities.
A number of athletes have posted snaps of themselves all decked out and ready for the games – including gold medal winning swimmer Katie Ledecky.
Coco Gauff and LeBron James wearing their white coats signifying their jobs as flag bearers
Katie Ledecky (L) shows off her outfit before the Opening Ceremonies begin in Paris
The 20-year-old Gauff will be the first American tennis player to carry the flag, three years after she was forced to miss the Tokyo Olympics when she tested positive for Covid.
In a heartwarming clip shared by Team USA on social media, men’s star Chris Eubanks announces that his teammate will be the female flagbearer in Paris to leave her completely stunned.
‘I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony,’ Gauff said in a statement.
‘I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is.’
Team USA passes through the Seine on a boat during the Opening Ceremonies in Paris
The United States has the largest delegation at the Olympics – with 592 total athletes
The US athletes on board the boat wave American flags as they sail on the Seine
Gauff and James earned their selections through a vote of their fellow US athletes.
Basketball players have been flag bearers for the United States twice in the past – both being women.
Current University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was the first to do so at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.
At the last Summer Olympics in Tokyo, WNBA legend Sue Bird was one of two American flag bearers alongside baseball star Eddy Alvarez.
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