Michael Phelps watches golfers tee it off at the Paris Olympics, sends them heartfelt message - "There's so much pride"
Michael Phelps is one of the world stars invited by the organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Olympic swimming legend did not miss the opportunity to participate in his other great sporting passion, golf.
The "Shark of Baltimore" was present for the opening day of Olympic golf at Paris 2024 on Thursday (August 1). It was such an important moment for him that he even sent a message about it via social networks.
In a video posted by the Olympic Golf handle on X, Michael Phelps spoke about the importance of competing in the Olympics and the pride every athlete has in representing their nation. Here is part of what he had to say:
"Being on the first tee, being able to see kind of what these guys go through in an Olympics, right? For me, the Olympics, I think is different than a PGA Tour event and I think if you ask these guys, they would say the same thing."
He added:
"Because you're getting the chance to represent your country. And that there's so much pride in that. For me, there's nothing better than wearing the stars and stripes."
Phelps also talked about what the Olympics mean to fans:
"When Matthew Pavon came up, And the whole entire audience just started belting out. It was... it was absolutely incredible. I mean, the hair on my arms were sticking straight up and I think it really shows what the Olympics is. The Olympics is about bringing so many countries every single country together, in one city, to compete."
Michael Phelps is one of the greatest stars to ever compete in the Olympic Games. He holds the record for most gold medals (23) and a total of 28 medals. He has also set numerous records in various distances and styles of swimming.
Michael Phelps and golf
Michael Phelps has dedicated his life to swimming, becoming the most decorated swimmer in history. However, he has another great athletic passion: golf. The 39-year-old even considered a career in professional golf after retiring from swimming.
Phelps is a regular presence at pro-am events and celebrity tournaments. He even holds the record for the longest televised putt in history.
The event occurred at the 2012 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Pro-Am event, where Phelps played with current LIV Golf star Paul Casey. There, Phelps sank an incredible 159-foot putt.
As Phelps himself told Golf.com in January 2024, his handicap is 7, but he is working to improve it. His own estimates put the number of rounds he played in 2023 at 80.
The Olympic golf competition is being played at Le Golf National in Paris. The first round was suspended several times due to thunderstorms over the course.
Hideki Matsuyama leads the leaderboard at 8-under. Defending champion Xander Schauffele is two strokes behind, while Joaquin Niemann, Emiliano Grillo and Tom Kim are third.