Michael Phelps, Swimming, USAThe most decorated Olympian of all time feels he still has something to prove. After his historic eight gold medals in 2008, Phelps struggled to find a life outside the pool. While his body carried him to six more medals in 2012, his mind wasn’t in it. He was arrested for drunk driving in 2014, leading to a stint in rehab––and a renewed sense of purpose. “I tried to bite off more than I could handle in 2012, but I want to be here now,” Phelps says. Now engaged, with a nearly 3-month-old son, Phelps sees Rio as a chance to bring his soul back to swimming; he’ll race in the 100-m and 200-m fly and the 200-m individual medley as well as some relays. Expect these Games to bring his storybook career to a fitting close. —A.P.
Al Bello—Getty Images
These are some of the Team USA Olympians and Paralympians that you’ll want to follow on Instagram during the 2016 Rio Olympics. These athletes have been giving fans in the United States and around the world a look into their training and journeys to Rio 2016 as well as a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their personal lives—all on Instagram.
From tennis to gymnastics to fencing, these athletes are ready to represent the U.S. as the games begin in Rio de Janeiro this Friday. This list includes some old fan favorites like Michael Phelps and Carli Lloyd as well as some athletes you’ll want to learn more about, like Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American woman to wear a hijab in the Olympics.
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