OLYMPICS LEGEND MICHAEL JOHNSON QUESTIONS WHY COCO GAUFF WAS NAMED TEAM USA'S FLAGBEARER IN PARIS
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson has questioned Team USA's decision to make Coco Gauff a flagbearer.
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 along the Seine on Friday night.
Gauff is the reigning US Open champion and a contender to win the women's tennis gold medal 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 honor should have gone to another athlete.
Speaking on the BBC, Johnson said: 'I'm a little disappointed with USA team's choice.
'I was hoping for a Simone Biles or an Olympic athlete from a traditional Olympic sport. I think they went for popularity.
'Unless Simone said she didn't want to [because she has to get ready for her competition]. That's a possibility.'
Gauff is the youngest flag bearer for her country at a summer Olympics and the first tennis player to receive the honor.
Biles, meanwhile, skipped the opening ceremony on Friday night because she's preparing for the start of gymnastics competition on Sunday.
Her parents - Ronald and Nellie Biles - were quick to explain her absence during an interview with NBC News' Hoda Kotb and Snoop Dogg.
'The first competition is Sunday,' Nellie explained, 'which is the Women's Qualifier. And, of course, she needs to rest up before that competition.'
The 27-year-old was advised to skip the lengthy proceedings, along with her teammates Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey.
Nellie added, 'She is feeling really good. I spoke to her this morning and she's doing great. She's just in a really good place.'
Read more 2024-07-26T22:31:44Z dg43tfdfdgfd