Coco Gauff missed out on the 2020 Olympic Games, which were held in 2021 in Tokyo, and it was a very painful experience for her.
As a player who broke through at 15 on the WTA Tour, the young American could have been one of those players that would break certain Olympic records, such as those for most appearances, or medals, or similar, given the age advantage to the rest of the field.
Her first Olympics were set to happen when she was only 17, but only a few days prior to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Gauff tested positive for COVID-19, which meant that she had to withdraw from what was supposed to be her first Olympics.
In a statement at the time, she described the decision as 'disappointing' and said that representing the United States was her 'dream'. Since then, a lot has happened in Gauff's career.
She became the World No. 1 player in doubles, she won her first singles Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, she became the World No. 2 player in singles, and she also won her maiden doubles Grand Slam title at the 2024 Roland Garros.
Of course, the 20-year-old American is still a very young player; she still has 'only' seven singles titles to her name, but apart from reaching the World No. 1 spot in singles, it could be said that 'she's done it all' in terms of what kids dream of when they pick up a sport.
And then, there's one more thing - the Olympic Games. Now in 2024, she will finally get a chance to make her debut at the Olympics, unless something unfortunate stops her again, and with her debut around the corner, NBC Olympics revealed Gauff's personal letter, which she wrote to her 17-year-old self, and it started very emotionally.
"Dear 17-year-old Coco, Your eyes don’t deceive you - that’s a positive COVID-19 test. The next one you take will be positive too, as will the third. It’s official – you have COVID, and it’s ruining all your big plans."
"You have your bags packed, a plane ticket purchased and a coveted spot at the greatest athletic event in the world, the Olympic Games. Now that lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian will be delayed and you’re devastated."
"Behind a stream of tears, you’re going to wonder how you’ll ever be able to break the news to your team captain. Your teammates and friends will have to contend on behalf of your country without you."
"With a new day though, you’ll have a new attitude. What else can you do? While your Olympic goal is seemingly on hold, people around the globe are in crises, battling COVID, with real pressure, real hardship and real-life struggles. You’re just missing a big tournament."
Gauff knew that she would get a chance to show her craft on the grandest stage in the future. Her talent would carry her to the 2024 Paris Olympics, giving her a new shot at representing the United States.
"The fresh perspective on your situation will make a new goal clear to you: qualifying for the 2024 Paris Games. As you lean into your joy, keep being vocal about the causes you care about, just like grandma has done throughout her life."
"Your outlook isn’t defined by the lines painted on the court; it’s solidified by your convictions, your choice to support others and the belief that you can elicit change. Stay strong in who you are, and what you want to communicate with the world."
"Here is where you take the pen, and author the rest of your Olympic tale. I don’t know how that story will end, whether it’s with a medal or not – but I know you’ll have the courage to write it."