Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time from any nation, has been chosen as the United States' flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony on Friday in Rio, the United States Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday. Phelps has won 22 Olympic swimming medals since 2000, including 18 golds. He'll compete in three events in 2016, hoping to add to his total after coming out of retirement.
Rio Olympics 2016: Michael Phelps chosen as Team USA’s flag bearer
The five-time Olympian will carry the flag for the American contingent in Friday’s Opening Ceremony in Rio.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Fencer Mariel Zagunis carried the flag for the United States contingent in 2012 in London. The honor is reserved for a particularly notable athlete. The last swimmer to carry the flag was Gary Hall in 1976.
Phelps has skipped the Opening Ceremony in the past due to his aggressive swimming schedule. In fact, many fans may have never seen Phelps walk further than from the pool to the medal stand, so this will be a new experience for Opening Ceremony viewers.
In 2016, Phelps is swimming only three individual events. But he is now scheduled to race in the 400-meter freestyle relay on Sunday despite not qualifying for the 100-meter freestyle event. Hopefully his flag-carrying duties on Friday won’t affect his ability to perform and add to his medal count.
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