Michael Phelps called his selection to carry the U.S. flag in the Rio Opening Ceremony a "dream come true and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.” Phelps was chosen as the flag bearer after a vote by U.S. team captains, and he said, "As swimmers, we don’t really think that we have this opportunity" ("Today," NBC, 8/3). Phelps is "just the second swimmer to lead the U.S. into the Opening Ceremony," joining Gary Hall at the '76 Montreal Games (BALTIMORESUN.com, 8/3). In N.Y., Victor Mather notes most U.S. flag bearers "are not as high profile" as Phelps. Recent selections include fencer Mariel Zagunis ('12), runner Lopez Lomong ('08), women's basketball player Dawn Staley ('04) and canoeist Cliff Meidl ('00). Phelps was chosen just one year "after being dropped from the 2015 world championships team after being arrested" for DUI (NYTIMES.com, 8/3). In DC, Barry Svrluga notes Phelps typically has not marched in the Opening Ceremony "in large part because his Olympics have begun the next day." However, he is swimming a "slightly trimmed-down program" in Rio, allowing him to attend the event (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 8/3). NBC's Bob Costas said, "By achievement, he could have deserved this honor a couple of Olympics ago. But I think he'll appreciate it and understand it much better now” ("Today," NBC, 8/3). FOXSPORTS.com's Chris Chase writes there were "plenty of deserving flagbearers, but getting led into the stadium by the greatest Olympian of all was as easy a vote as Team USA has ever had" (FOXSPORTS.com, 8/3).
TWITTER REAX: USA Today's Christine Brennan: "Hopeful story of redemption after two DUIs and rehab? Phelps will be watched more closely after Olympics now." BBC Sport's Ollie Williams: "Phelps wasn't at the 2000, 2004, 2008 or 2012 ceremonies because of his schedule. Finally, he gets to attend one." N.Y. Times' Karen Crouse: "A well-deserved honor for Phelps." L.A. Daily News' Mark Whicker: "USOC does a good job not over-thinking it."
