Unfamiliar waters for Michael Phelps: captain of U.S. men’s swim team

SAN ANTONIO – Michael Phelps is in unfamiliar waters as he heads to his fifth Olympics. He’s been chosen as a captain of the U.S. men’s swimming team for the first time.

Phelps was voted in by his teammates, along with veteran sprinters Nathan Adrian and Anthony Ervin. Phelps owns a record 22 Olympic medals, including 18 golds. Adrian and Ervin are three-time Olympians, while Phelps’ fifth Olympic berth is the most for a U.S. male swimmer.

Serving as captains for the women’s team will be Cammile Adams, Elizabeth Beisel and Allison Schmitt. Adams is a two-time Olympian. Beisel and Schmitt are competing in their third games.

The selections were announced Tuesday in San Antonio, where the Americans are training for the Rio Games, which open Aug. 5.

During the U.S. trials this month, Phelps noted he had never been chosen captain by his teammates.

“I guess no one likes me that much on the team,” he joked. “I just want to be able to help some of the younger guys. Just being able to help them just kind of stay in their relaxed zone, not get worked up because it’s the Olympics. It’s just another meet. That’s how I’ve looked at every meet that I’ve ever gone to.”