Michael Phelps to Serve as Flag Bearer At Rio Olympics

As the most decorated Olympian history, no one would question Michael Phelps' patriotism or love of the comradery that global competition fosters amongst nations. But when the entire American team walks into the Maracana stadium in Rio this Friday, Phelps will lead the way, reaching a new level of Olympic pride as flagbearer.

Phelps, who officially came out of retirement in 2014, is heading to Brazil and will be the only Olympian to ever compete in five of the Olympic games, consecutive or otherwise. At the men's 200-meter butterfly at the U.S. Olympic trials, Phelps' time was announced as 1:54.84, which confirmed he would in fact be competing this year. Phelps held up a proud five fingers to the screaming crowd as history was made yet again.

In a statement, Phelps said that this year is all about soaking it in as he only wishes to represent America in the best possible way and make his family proud because "this time around, it's about so much more than medals."