How do we feel about Phelps?

So as you all probably know by now, it was announced this morning that 22-time medal winner, Michael Phelps has been given the honor of carrying the American Flag during the Rio Opening Ceremony. And in fact, this will be Phelps' first Olympic opening ceremony he has ever attended. So why is the ex-druggie, opening ceremony skipper our flagbearer?

Courtesy of www.people.com

This is an interesting post for me to write because once upon a time Michael Phelps was little Alexa Paige's favorite athlete. "He's so good! He's so cute." He was hands down my favorite guy to look up to (besides Derek Jeter, of course) and when he announced his retirement in 2012, I am pretty sure I was shedding a tear or two right before his hand touched that pool wall for the "last time." Oh, Alexa. I was begging him to pull a Brett Favre and come back in due time...well, clearly my wish was granted.

Before we get into the controversial stuff, let's address the fact that Phelps has not been to an opening ceremony. Turns out, I will be the first one to stand up for him on this one. "You’re on your legs for like six or seven hours and it’s a long night," he [Phelps] told NBC. And that is the last thing you want to do when your event is just hours following the next morning.

Trust me, I can recall numerous times my teammates and I would beg our coaches to return to the hotel room if two-day track meets ended up going past 9 P.M. We valued our sleep, especially when we had to get up the next morning at 7 A.M. and give our peak performances. Again, I am comparing Olympic athletes to DI athletes, but still. I can relate. Don't even get me started with their housing accommodations in Rio right now.

My point is, the only one who should be upset about missing the ceremony is Michael himself.

But I also know what you are all thinking, as I am thinking the same myself. Michael Phelps has gotten into a lot of trouble over the years, to the point of nearly being stripped of his medals. So why is he so honorable to carry our flag? Yes, he has really cleaned himself up over the years, in many ways (i.e. he now has a family, reconciled with his own father, etc.) No, what he has done is still not excusable.

Courtesy of www.emaze.com

But let us recall that at the end of the day he is the most decorated Olympian. That right there says a lot. The guy is more relaxed than I think he has ever been in his entire life. And for an athlete, that is a huge deal. So I think it is time that Michael enjoys himself at one of the most top-charting events an athlete can be a part of. He has always been a role model, not the best one at times. But he has shown us what it means to be a dedicated athlete, to mess up big time, and what it takes to clean yourself up and create your own Act 2.

So let the show begin, and may you carry that flag with a smile on your face, Mr. Phelps.