Michael Phelps Will Carry the American Flag in Olympic Opening Ceremony

The 2016 Olympic Games open on Friday, and the whole world is watching. With all of the turmoil over will the athletes be safe, what about the Zika virus, are the facilities ready, etc., etc., etc., one thing for sure, they will open on time, and we will be there with all of the excitement of the opening ceremonies.

The Today Show reported the U.S. Olympic team has given swimmer Michael Phelps the honor of carrying the American flag into Rio's Maracana Stadium for Friday's opening ceremony.

It's the latest honor for the most-decorated athlete in Olympics history who has won 18 gold medals, and an easy decision for his teammates to make.

NBC Sports commentator, Bob Costas said Phelps deserved the role on achievement "a couple of Olympics ago," but said the swimmer will cherish it more now.