Many fans thought that Katie Ledecky would bear the United States flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Not only did the honor go to LeBron James and Coco Gauff instead, but the swimming star won't even be in attendance.
Ledecky has won the most individual events of any woman in Olympic history, so, understandably, people expected her to represent her country before the Games began. However, she has good reason for her absence. She's not the only one skipping the ceremony, nor is she the only athlete to do this in previous Olympic Games.
But don't worry — even though you won't see Ledecky on Friday, the 10-time Olympic medalist will still represent the U.S. at the Olympics in the pool.
Here's why Ledecky won't be at the opening ceremony.
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Why isn't Katie Ledecky at the Olympics opening ceremony?
Ledecky isn't at the Olympics opening ceremony because she's using that time to rest for her first events on Saturday, July 27.
The opening ceremony is typically about a six-hour event, which seriously cuts into Ledecky's rest and preparation time. She's racing in the 400-meter freestyle preliminaries on Saturday at 5 a.m. ET.
"I never planned on going to opening ceremonies this year," Ledecky said. "I know a lot of swimmers that are racing the first few days don’t really have it in mind."
The opening ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday, July 26 and is held on the Seine River. Previous ceremonies have been at stadiums, so athletes could sneak out early if necessary.
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Michael Phelps did this in 2016 when he was the flag bearer. It allowed him to "sleep on his normal schedule," according to ESPN.
Because the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony is on the Seine River, athletes won't be able to leave early. Gauff and James will be the two United States flag-bearers.
"I know some of the swimmers that compete later on in the week might be attending," Ledecky said. "I got to do that in 2012, tremendous experience, but yeah, I’m not attending this year.
"I know our flag bearers are going to represent our team really well."
