An image of LeBron James holding the American flag during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics has rapidly gone viral.
The four-time NBA champion, who acted as the nation’s flag bearer alongside tennis phenom Coco Gauff, was captured on a boat gliding down the River Seine on Friday evening.
Many people quickly compared the moment to the legendary depiction of George Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776.
‘LeBron James looks like he just founded America,’ one user humorously remarked on X along with the image of James.
‘General LeBron James crossing the Delaware,’ another user playfully commented, while a third quipped, ‘LeBron James invented the United States.’
An image of LeBron James holding the American flag at the Olympics has become a meme
The opening ceremony moment was likened to George Washington on the Delaware River
In the photograph, rain poured down on the basketball icon, who was surrounded by nearly 600 American athletes.
‘It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global platform, particularly during a moment that can unite the world,’ James stated when he was named flag bearer earlier this week.
‘For a kid from Akron, this responsibility is everything—not just for me, but for my family, the youth in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and so many across the nation with big dreams,’ he continued.
‘Sports have the power to unite us all, and I’m proud to be part of this significant occasion.’
The gold medalist, participating in his fourth Olympic Games, was also interviewed live on NBC during the ceremony.
‘For Coco and myself, to represent our country as black young adults, embodying our culture and our roots—this gives so many hope where we come from,’ James remarked.
‘That’s all we can wish for. We embrace this with the utmost responsibility and honor.’
James served as America’s 2024 flag bearer alongside tennis superstar, Coco Gauff
‘Sports have the power to bring us together, and I’m proud to be a part of this moment,’ he said
