In the vibrant summer of 1992, amidst the anticipation and excitement, the American basketball team had journeyed to Barcelona, Spain, in the hopes of securing Gold. This was no ordinary team, well etched in the history today. The opening ceremony, a moment filled with pride, featured a flag bearer who symbolized the hopes and dreams of the entire nation. Who was this individual chosen to lead such an illustrious group, and what made them stand out among legends like Michael Jordan?

The honor of carrying the American Flag in the 1992 Spanish Olympics was bestowed on Francie Larrieu-Smith. Smith was a long-distance runner, whose career consisted of an impressive five games, from 1972 to 1992. That made her career the longest ever for an American. The edition before, Smith had finished fifth in the women’s 10,000 meters in Seoul which was her best Olympic finish.

The Barcelona Olympics, however, saw strong competition from numerous top female long-distance runners from around the world. Larrieu-Smith, at age 39, finished 12 in the marathon, with a time of 2:41:09, showcasing her athletic prowess. However, her results did not earn her a tangible prize.

The Dream Team led by Michael Jordan shined the brightest for the USA basketball that year. The team comprised professional basketball players for the first time after FIBA had allowed for it in 1989, following the USA’s first-ever bronze a year before.

One of the most iconic performances of the Dream Team was their gold medal game against Croatia on August 8, 1992. The team led the USA to a victory with a 117-85 win, along with an average winning margin of 43.8 points per game. The game was marked by a display of superior skills, teamwork, and athleticism, cementing the Dream Team’s reputation as the greatest basketball team ever assembled.

Francie Larrieu-Smith’s selection as flag bearer in 1992 highlighted the diversity and respect for all athletes in the US Olympic team. Continuing this tradition, LeBron James, a modern-day legend, will represent the United States by bearing the flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as a part of a roster closest to the 1992 Dream Team.

LeBron James earns the honors for the 2024 Paris Olympics

LeBron James wasn’t sure what the opening ceremony was all about when he was picked for his first Olympics in 2004. This time, he’ll be one of the stars of the show. His fellow U.S. Olympians have picked James to serve as the male flagbearer for the USA in the opening ceremony of the Paris Games.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said. “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,” said the 39-year-old legend who will be participating in his 4th Olympic games. 

The tradition of selecting flag bearers like Francie Larrieu-Smith in 1992 and LeBron James in 2024 highlights the diversity and excellence of American athletes across generations. James becomes the third basketball player to don the honor after Larry Bird and Dawn Staley. While the USA has finalized James, his female counterpart is yet to be named. Stay tuned to find out.