How can you make an athlete’s Olympic debut special? Ask Coco Gauff, as her 20-year-old shoulder carries the weight of every American expectation in her first Olympics: Becoming the youngest flag bearer of one’s nation. And that’s exactly the task Gauff was surprised with. The player is all set to be the flag bearer of the mighty USA along with the great LeBron James. However, the World No.2 was caught by sheer surprise during the announcement, and her teammate Danielle Collins didn’t spare the moment to cheer on her young teammate.

The tennis Team USA gathered around for a photo shoot in their official ensembles. They looked as ready as ever to take over any challenges in their journey to bring home the gold. But before stepping on the court, the whole Team USA would travel through the river Seine in the Opening ceremony. And while everyone thought that LeBron James would be accompanied by some other name, the choice of America’s sweetheart, and youngster Gauff, surprised many! Including her, when her teammate Chris Eubanks broke the news.

The 20-year-old struggled to reign in her emotions, certainly a big feat for anyone, to carry your country’s flag. But fret not, Collins was right beside her as she cheered Gauff throughout. She said, “Let’s go Coco!!!”, along with everyone present.This is the first time that a tennis player has been chosen as a Flag Bearer, a privilege that even evaded the legendary Serena Williams! And after the announcement came the turn to check the white blazer of the Flag bearers. While Eubanks, brought the blazer towards Guaff, Collins pushed the youngster, “You gotta try it on.” 

White blazer, with her trademark smile, she tried ‘not to cry’. Of course, happy tears! But Gauff looked beautiful, as if it was meant for her to be at the helm. What could be better than the younger generation taking charge everywhere? Moreover, Gauff’s 2024 season is filled with luck, as her chances at the medal increased with this new rule at Paris Olympics.

Could Coco Gauff capitalize on the advantage on her lap due to rule changes at the Olympics?

After Gauff failed to capitalize on her relatively easy draw at Wimbledon, could she change her fortunes in Paris? Maybe, as she is in top form, with a very good campaign at the Roland Garros. And with Aryna Sabalenka out of the race, and the Olympic’s new rule which ensures that players from a country don’t compete until the semifinals, Gauff could really pull it off with a podium finish.

Why? Because she won’t be meeting the defending French Open champion until the finals. This year she has a losing streak against her fellow counterparts: Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, and Collins’s form has been strong throughout the year as she has declared this season her last dance in the tennis circuit.

Hence, Gauff’s dream to win an Olympic medal seems within reach, however for the ultimate goal of getting a gold, she would have to undergo the challenges of her opponents. But following Collins’s spirit: Let’s go Coco, Let’s go America!