Wow: Michael Phelps Urged To Do This To Muslim Woman Hours Before Opening Ceremony In the weeks leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics, swimmer Michael Phelps was elected by his teammates to be the flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony. Phelps is the most decorated athlete in Olympic history, and seemed like a perfect choice to be the picture of patriotism. Im honored to be chosen, proud to represent the U.S., and humbled by the significance of carrying the flag and all it stands for, Phelps said in a press conference. But the election hasnt been all roses for the champion. According to reports, some are calling on Phelps to hand over the privilege to Ibithaj Muhammad, an African American Muslim woman most famous for wearing her hijab during fencing matches. She reportedly was a close second behind Phelps as the choice for flag bearer. When you incite hateful speech and rhetoric like that, the people who say it never think about the repercussions and how that affects Muslims, Muhammad told Time earlier this year in an interview question about Donald Trump. Many are protesting Phelps carrying the flag because he is a tall, successful, rich white guy. It would be a symbol for our country in this moment when we are mostly known for one of the most contentious, controversial, scandal-ridden, hateful, xenophobic, jingoistic, and just generally unlikable presidential elections in recent memory, W. Kamau Bell wrote in an op-ed for CNN. This is at a time when we could use some more symbols of unity and togetherness. Your stepping back will allow this moment to become something bigger than just another opening ceremony. No offense, but right now America has enough tall, successful, rich white guys hogging the spotlight trying to make America great again, he added. What do you think? Do you support Michael Phelps? 