In recent years, the United States bearers have been more anonymous athletes; fencer Mariel Zagunis was selected in 2012, two Olympics after she became the first American to win a gold in that sport in 100 years.
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Taking part in the opening ceremony will mean a late night for Phelps on Friday, with the stadium at least an hour away from the Athletes Village in Barra, and plenty of standing around as well.
“I’m really excited to see what he can do at this Olympics”, said Lochte, an 11-times Olympic medallist who has duelled with Phelps throughout their careers.
Phelps is the second swimmer to lead the US delegation into the opening ceremony and the fifth swimmer to be the flag bearer for Team USA at the Olympic Games.
“I’m honored to be chosen, proud to represent the USA, and humbled by the significance of carrying the flag and all it stands for”, Phelps said in a statement.
He is the second U.S. swimmer to carry the flag at an opening ceremony, after Gary Hall in 1976.
The American, who retired after the 2012 London Olympics and was taken to task when he announced he would make a Rio comeback, appeared to be joking with reporters packed into his pre-Games new conference about continuing his career.
Phelps has captured 18 golds and 22 medals overall, far more than any other Olympic athlete, and he’ll be the first US male swimmer to compete in five Summer Games.
“As a kid, you’re like, ‘Yeah, it would be pretty sweet to be able to carry the flag, ‘” Phelps said, beaming.
A mischievous Michael Phelps hinted the Rio Games may not be his last when the most decorated Olympian of all-time said on Wednesday he was excited his infant son Boomer would be in the stands to watch “the potential” last races of his career. Gary Hall was the first at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
“It feels so right”, said 21-year-old teammate Missy Franklin, one of many swimmers inspired by Phelps during their early years at the pool.
Michael Phelps was selected in a vote by members of the U.S. Olympic team. But he has continually stressed that his desire to compete in another Olympics had little to do with collecting more gold.
Then there’s his personal life, which has included a series of missteps including a second drunken-driving arrest in 2014.
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“I’ve been able to experience things that I probably didn’t really notice or I took for granted in the past”, Phelps said. “Honestly, I don’t think that this is going to be his last Olympics”.
