US swimmer Michael Phelps holds a press conference on August 3, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro (Photo: AFP)
His racing attire is minimalist, but Michael Phelps -- and family -- are set to cut a fashion dash at the Rio Olympics.
Phelps, who can accessorize any wardrobe with 18 Olympic gold medals, has already used Facebook to show off his special 3D-printed shoes from sponsor Under Armour, which feature an image of his infant son Boomer's tiny footprint.
His selection to carry the US flag at the opening ceremony sparked the envy of longtime teammate and rival Ryan Lochte -- not because Lochte begrudges him the honor but because of the special Ralph Lauren jacket that goes with the job -- which features a glowing "USA" on the back spelled out by electroluminescent panels.
"I kind of want to steal that jacket," said Lochte, who opted to make his Rio fashion statement with a new hair color -- an aquatically blue-tinged silver.
It's a departure from the flashy mouth jewelry "grillz" he has sported at prior Games.
"I left my grillz at home so I was like I have got to do something different," Lochte said. "So I said why not the hair? It's a little bold statement."
Lochte, who turned 32 on Wednesday, said the color had the added advantage of covering up any gray that was creeping in.
That's certainly not a problem for Phelps's little Boomer -- who is due to arrive in Rio with Phelps's fiancee, Nicole Johnson, to watch his papa swim.
Phelps said he'd been receiving daily updates on his littlest fan, who was going to be dressed the part.
"He's going to have some cool outfits on for sure," said Phelps, who has seen the preview pictures. "Boomer will be dressed to impress in the stands, that's for sure."
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