Rio de Janeiro Aug 6 (IANS) Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe has backed his former rival Michael Phelps to become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Olympics in Rio.
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Now that his flag-carrying duties are out of the way, Michael Phelps is eager to get started on his fifth Olympics.
The most decorated Olympian of all time made the stunning claim when asked about the Russian doping controversy ahead of the Rio Games. Overlooking the large pool and surrounded by cheering fans, Phelps’ figure looked right at home.
Just don’t expect another comeback.
Phelps, who will carry the flag for the United States at Friday’s opening ceremony, said there was not much he could control other than his own actions and that would be his priority.
“I’m done”, he reiterated.
Phelps initially retired after the London Games in 2012, only to backtrack on that decision 18 months later. Phelps’s eight from eight at Beijing 2008 will come to be regarded, in time, as a high-water mark of this or any generation.
As an individual event, the 100m freestyle is not one of Phelps’ favoured races, but the 31-year-old – America’s flag bearer in Rio – does harbour hopes to be part of the team again in Sunday’s heats and final. Rio is expected to be his final Olympic appearance.
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“I’m honored to be chosen, proud to represent the US, and humbled by the significance of carrying the flag and all it stands for”, Phelps said, via the official Team USA website.
