Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has raised concerns about Team USA’s decision to appoint Coco Gauff as a flagbearer.
The tennis star joined LeBron James at the head of Team USA’s opening ceremony boat, carrying the flag along the Seine on Friday night.
Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, is a strong contender for the women’s tennis gold medal in Paris.
Speaking on the BBC, Johnson expressed his disappointment with the USA team’s choice, stating: “I was hoping for Simone Biles or an athlete from a traditional Olympic sport. I think they chose based on popularity.
“Unless Simone opted out to prepare for her competition, which is a possibility.”
Gauff is the youngest flag bearer for her country at a Summer Olympics and the first tennis player to receive this honor.
Biles, meanwhile, skipped the opening ceremony on Friday night to focus on preparing for the gymnastics competition startinug on Sunday.
