Basketball star LeBron James is set to be Team USA’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, as announced by the USA Olympic Committee’s press service. This marks a historic moment for the 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward, who will carry the American flag for the first time at the Games.
In his role with Team USA, James has already earned Olympic gold twice, capturing the top prize in 2008 and 2012. Earlier in his career, he also earned a bronze medal in 2004, underscoring his long Olympic journey and continued impact on the sport on the world stage.
In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance to international sports federations suggesting that athletes from Russia and Belarus should be barred from competition. The IOC subsequently decided, toward the end of 2023, to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games as neutral athletes, subject to a set of conditions and qualification criteria.
On July 18, the IOC released the full roster of Russian athletes admitted under neutral status for the Paris Games, totaling 15 individuals. This inclusion reflected ongoing IOC efforts to balance eligibility with geopolitical considerations while maintaining the integrity of the competition.
There was also public discourse surrounding the Paris Olympics as Irina Rodnina spoke out on the matter of city policies, including reports about actions against homeless populations during the Games period. Such discussions highlighted the intersection of sport, humanitarian concerns, and hosting obligations that accompany large international events. [Attribution: IOC communications; U.S. Olympic Committee press release; public statements by Irina Rodnina]