Back in 2021, one of America’s rising tennis stars, Coco Gauff, was all set to make her Olympics debut. Just 17 then, Gauff couldn’t control her excitement to participate in the mega-event. However, days ahead of the tournament, tragedy struck the American sensation as she tested positive for COVID-19, eventually ruling her out of the Tokyo Olympics. It was a heartbreaking moment for the youngster, who had dreamt of representing her country on the sporting world’s biggest stage.

Fast forward to 2024, Gauff has already won a Grand Slam title and will be leading her country’s charge at the upcoming Paris Olympics. She is no longer an outsider, but in fact, a favorite to win a medal at the event. Despite being one of the top contenders for a podium finish, desperation struck Gauff as the event neared.

Earlier this month, Gauff was involved in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, where she expressed her feelings about representing her country in Paris. Hopeful about a better stroke of luck, Gauff mentioned, “Fingers crossed nothing happens to me at the last minute again! But I’m really happy to have my shot at a medal… every time I see somebody else with a gold medal, I want one so bad.”

via Reuters

The Federation has confirmed her participation in singles and with Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff is also looking for  adoubles participation. For the World No. 2, Grand Slams are important but during leap years, the biggest event is sports takes precedence.

While some tennis stars have preferred to skip the Olympic Games, the mega-event is a top priority for Gauff. As a result, she has kept personal ambitions aside for it.

Coco Gauff puts Olympics ambition above that of the Grand Slams

Although the major tournaments are important for Gauff, bringing home an Olympic medal for her country is one of her top priorities. As a result, she can’t stop outlaying the importance the Paris Olympics holds for her.

With patriotic feeling being above the rest, Gauff revealed, “For me, the Olympics is a top priority… This is my first time. Obviously, I always want to do well, try to get a medal.”

While missing out at the Tokyo Olympic Games was a heartbreak, winning a medal in Paris would heal those wounds for Gauff. The American sensation will potentially participate in all three formats, singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

However, it won’t be a cakewalk for Gauff, who would have to transition from grass courts to the clay courts, something which she hasn’t done ever before. Do you think Gauff can win a medal at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games? Let us know your views in the comments below.