Team USA is ??? ??????kicking off the 2016 Rio Olympics by bestowing the honored title of flag bearer on the most decorated Olympian of all time, swimmer Michael Phelps.
The decision to allow the legendary athlete to lead Team USA into Rio's Maracanã Stadium during Friday's opening ceremony is fitting since Rio is set to be Phelps' final Olympic challenge.
SEE ALSO: U.S. Olympic athletes use puppy power to prepare for Rio gamesIn a interview Wednesday morning, Phelps told Today the honor is, "something I'm obviously looking forward to...There's definitely going to be a lot of emotions."
You May Also Like
Though it appeared as though we saw the last of the 18-time gold medalist after the 2012 Olympics, the swimmer ended his retirementback in April 2014 and announced he was training to compete in this year's games. The 2016 Rio Olympics will mark Phelps' fifth and likely final Games.
According to Today, Phelps will be the first swimmer since Gary Hall in 1976 to carry the U.S. flag during the opening ceremony.