Michael Phelps to be flag-bearer at Opening Ceremonies
After months of anticipation, excitement, and more than a little justifiable concern, tonight brings the Opening Ceremonies of the XXXI Olympics in Rio. The ceremony will be doubly thrilling for Baltimoreans, as our very own Michael Phelps, who will be competing in his fifth Games, is bearing the flag. This honor seems like a no-brainer to us, considering that Phelps is the most decorated Olympiad of all time. But not only is this the first time Phelps is carrying the U.S. flag, it’s the first time he’ll be participating in the Opening Ceremonies at all. Look for Phelps and the rest of Team USA to be sporting patriotic uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren.
A few more things to keep an out for as Phelps looks to add to his already overstuffed medal chest:
•He’ll be wearing special Under Armour sneakers at the Games, with patented 3D printed midsole technology and the footprint of his infant son Boomer printed on the insole of the shoe, as a “personal reminder that Boomer is with him every step and stroke of the way.” (Awww.) But swimmers don’t wear sneakers in the pool, you say? You clearly are not thinking like an Under Armour marketer.
•Since he’s already won more medals than any other Olympiad (22 including an unprecedented 18 gold), everything else is mere gravy at this point, but there are still some events where he is considered a serious gold-medal contender.
Look for Phelps to thrive in the:
100m Butterfly (Finals: Friday, August 12)
200m Butterfly (Finals, Tuesday, August 9)
200m IM (Individual Medley) (Finals: Thursday, August 11)
Honestly, we get chills thinking about watching him compete again.
•Also, if you’re concerned that the 31-year-old athlete is not in peak shape, please note that his body still looks like this:
Of course, Phelps isn’t the only local Olympiad
Look for Men’s Gymnastics alternate Donnell Whittenburg to possibly see some competition, especially in the vault. At just 21, he is a rising star on the international stage, and has a compelling backstory (he was raised by a single mother in Northeast Baltimore and draws inspiration from his special needs sister).
Other locals in the Games include swimmer Chase Kalisz from Bel Air and and volleyball player Aaron Russell from Ellicott City.
Meanwhile, how bout them O’s?
They didn’t make much noise at the trade deadline, but they did acquire left-handed starting pitcher Wade Miley and bring back a familiar face, utility man Steve Pearce, without giving too much away. (Lefty prospect Ariel Miranda for Miley and minor league catcher Jonah Heim for Pearce.)
A case could made for the fact that they don’t need to make many changes. At 39-17, the Orioles have the best home record in the MLB. Oh, and pitcher Zach Britton has converted 33 consecutive saves, a record for a left-handed pitcher. Cy Young anyone?
Boy with double hand transplant throws out first pitch at Orioles game
This is incredible. Zion Harvey, from Owings Mills, made headlines last year by being the first child to undergo a double hand transplant (at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.) On Tuesday, he threw out the first pitch at the Orioles game against the Rangers. His range of motion is absolutely extraordinary (note the way he casually turns his cap backwards.) And, of course, the cutie threw a strike. Check out the heartwarming video here.
Super hero Chris Davis does press conference with his super dog, Samson.
This was simply too adorbs not to share.
Speaking of super heroes, Justin Tucker hit a 69-yard field goal at training camp.
So that happened.