Report: Phelps to leave Rio 2016 opening ceremony early

Michael Phelps will serve as U.S. flag bearer at Friday's opening ceremony in Rio, but he won't stick around to see the rest of the night's festivities, a source told Christine Brennan of USA TODAY Sports.

Phelps is believed to be the first U.S. flag bearer ever to leave the opening ceremony early, Brennan notes

At previous Olympics, Phelps didn't even march in the opening ceremony so he could focus on competing. It's not uncommon for athletes whose events run in the first few days of the Olympics to skip the typically lavish event.

Swimming gets underway Saturday, but Phelps isn't expected to get into the pool until Sunday evening's men’s 4x100m freestyle relay.

Phelps, already the most decorated Olympic athlete ever, is expected to compete in five events in Rio.