RIO DE JANEIRO - Michael Phelps has been selected as the United States’ flag bearer in his fifth, and final, Olympics.
The legendary swimmer was selected by a vote of U.S. athletes.
Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals, is the second swimmer to serve as flag bearer after Gary Hall did so in Montreal in 1976. Opening ceremonies are on Friday.
“I’m honored to be chosen, proud to represent the U.S. and humbled by the significance of carrying the flag and all it stands for,” Phelps said in a statement.
Phelps will compete in three individual events here in Rio.