LeBron James and Coco Gauff led the U.S. delegation at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, making history as flagbearers on a boat down the Seine River. LeBron, the first male basketball player to bear the U.S. flag, was celebrated alongside Gauff, who became the youngest American flagbearer and the first tennis player to receive the honor. Despite the rain, the ceremony drew a massive crowd, and LeBron's iconic image holding the flag has become a viral meme, likened to George Washington crossing the Delaware. James emphasized the honor of representing the U.S. and the power of sports to unite. However, his selection as flagbearer has drawn mixed reactions due to his past political stances and business ties with China. The ceremony also featured notable appearances by sports legends like Carl Lewis, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal.