Michael Phelps has won 18 golds and 22 medals overall, far more than any other Olympic athlete, and at Rio 2016 he’ll become the first US male swimmer to compete in five Summer Games.
In another feather in his already full hat, Phelps, who came out of retirement in April 2014, was chosen this week to carry the US flag at Friday night’s opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium.
At a packed press conference on Wednesday, the “Flying Fish” spoke about the honour, along with his recent personal journey.
Since a second drink-driving arrest in 2014, Phelps went through six weeks of in-patient therapy, gave up alcohol, reconnected with his estranged father, got engaged and became a father with the birth of his son, Boomer.
On the issue of swimmers doping, the 31 year-old expressed his anger at the scandal.
I think I can honestly say that in my career I don’t know if I’ve ever competed in a clean sport, and it’s upsetting but, like I said, there’s not really a lot that I can control but me.Michael Phelps, Swimmer, USA
Video editor: Sandeep Suman
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