After retiring from competition following the 2012 Olympics in London, there have been many developments in Phelps’ personal life.
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– minus those golfers scared of contracting the Zika virus and the Russians who were caught doping – are headed to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Olympic tennis champion Andy Murray will carry the flag for the British team at the Rio Games opening ceremony, while all-time great in the pool Michael Phelps will wave the star spangled banner for the US. “That’s all we want”, the 18-time gold medallist said Wednesday in Rio, where he’s preparing for a fifth Olympic campaign.
In fact, this will be the first time hes participated in the opening ceremony, which can be a grueling experience requiring athletes to spend hours on their feet. As a 15-year-old, his handlers thought it best that he not take part though he qualified in only one event at the 2000 Games. He’s competing in three individual events this month: the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly, and the 200-meter individual medley.
Phelps got word of his selection Tuesday night. A little bit of emotion came over me. The United States basketball teams are housing Team USA on a massive luxury cruise liner during their stay for the Rio Olympics.
Phelps, who will be the first American male swimmer to compete at five Games, was chosen in a team vote to lead the delegation into the Maracana stadium in what will be his first opening ceremony. According to the brand’s website, Phelps will “reach inside the pocket of the opening ceremony blazer and flip a switch”. I have to do it. I know the basics of what I want to do and what I don’t want to do. It’s still a surprise that such a widely known athlete was chosen, even if his Olympic pedigree warrants it. Phelps is also just the second swimmer to serve as Olympic flag bearer.
Phelps’s Rio room mate Ryan Lochte for one believes the swimming world has not seen the last of his long-time rival.
Despite lingering issues with plumbing and laundry, athletes and training staff say the Olympic Village is much improved, nine days after blocked toilets and exposed wiring forced the Australian team to move.
“Sport, and the Olympic movement in particular, has always had a unique ability to inspire our nation and united the world”, said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun.
While the Australian swim team went out of their way to avoid discussing the Russian doping crisis that has left a giant cloud hanging over these Games, the U.S. swim team voiced their disgust at what has left a black mark against all sport. Gary Hall carried the flag at the 1976 Montreal Games.
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“It just feels so right”, she said. “In London, I wanted to make history”, Phelps said.
