Mexican Golfer Gaby Lopez Carries Mexico’s Flag in Tokyo Olympics’ Opening Ceremony; Fabrizio Zanotti Raises Paraguay’s Flag

Mexican golfer Gaby Lopez fulfilled one of her dreams, and that's to represent her country in the Tokyo Olympics.

Along with Mexican diver Rommel Pacheco, Lopez helped carry the flag of Mexico at the Tokyo Olympics' Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 23.

Gaby Lopez's Ultimate Dream

The 27-year-old Mexican golfer is one of just two golfers from Mexico to ever win on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. Gaby Lopez is a two-time LPGA winner.

The Mexican golfer has been thinking about the Tokyo Olympics for quite some time now. According to Golf Digest, Lopez shared during an interview with Golf Channel earlier this year that no event was bigger to her than the Olympics, and her ultimate goal was being able "to peak at that week."

The Mexican golfer further noted that her schedule, "in time to play well that (Olympic) week," would be to play around, rest, and prepare. Even if she does not win a medal, Lopez said she had memories of the Tokyo Games that would last for a lifetime.

Despite not having spectators to watch the festivities due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Japan National Stadium, where the opening took place, was still a special place for Gaby Lopez because it was a big moment, especially for her career.

Little Girl's Inspiration

Gaby Lopez earlier said it was a huge honor for her to represent her country Mexico in a women's golf tournament.

The Mexican golfer admitted that the women's golf tournament was not considered a huge sport compared to other events. But Lopez said she wanted to inspire little girls.

Gaby Lopez emphasized that these little girls needed to see what a golfer and a little girl could do to achieve their dreams. The Mexican golfer noted that it was the reason why she's playing golf, and that's what it means to her and her life and career.

The latest appearance of Gaby Lopez in the Tokyo opening was not her first Olympic experience. The Mexican golfer also competed in the Rio Games in 2016, where she finished T-31. Lopez has been considered a likely flagbearer for Mexico for some time.

After Lopez ended the LPGA's Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in January 2020 victorious, she said she was approached by the president of the Mexican Olympic Committee regarding the possibility of serving in the role that summer. The proposal to be the country's flag bearer was delayed as the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the Games.

Gaby Lopez was not the only golfer who served as a flag bearer during the Tokyo Olympics' opening ceremony. Fabrizio Zanotti, a two-time European Tour champion, carried his country's flag for Paraguay along with tennis player Veronica Cepede.

Zanotti competed in the Olympics in 2016, when she finished T-15 at the Rio Games. Meanwhile, in 2016, LPGA Tour professional player Julieta Granada also carried the flag for Paraguay during the opening ceremony.

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Written by: Jess Smith

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