One of the candidly funny moments of the U.S. Olympic swimming press conference Thursday came when Ryan Lochte was asked about the evolution of the newest swim suits that, in some cases, become full body suits.
“If I had it my way, I’d go back to old-school when we were all wearing the banana hammocks,’’ Lochte said.
Not missing a beat, women’s swim team member, Natalie Coughlin, who was sitting next to Lochte, said, “I’ll second that.’’
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U.S. women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma has this to say about Diana Taurasi, who also played for him at UConn: “Diana Taurasi is the best teammate I’ve ever been around. If Diana was on the same team as Charles Manson she’d say, ‘He’s not a bad guy; you have to understand him.’ She won’t say a bad thing about a teammate. And she knows more about your role and how to play it than you do.’’
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Goofy moment during the Michael Phelps press conference came when the moderator, selecting questioners from the media audience, said, “Question from the man in the blue shirt.’’
“His name is Apolo,’’ Phelps said, referring to Apolo Ohno, the former Olympic speed skater who is working for NBC at these Games.
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Several of the U.S. swimmers were blown away when track star Usain Bolt walked into the dining area in the athletes’ Olympic village on Thursday.
“I saw him walk in with his entourage and people started cheering,’’ Coughlin said. “I thought it was Prince William walking into the room. He’s a legend in his sport.’’
Said Missy Franklin: “People went crazy.’’
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The security is so tight around the Olympic park and village that getting to the Olympic media center each day for reporters is like catching a flight at the airport. Everyone must go through metal detectors, take laptops out of the bags. No liquids are allowed in. no pets, either. That must be why U.S. Greco-Roman wrestler Ellis Coleman didn’t bring his pet flying squirrel.