Kevin Durant, hoops stars loud and proud in support of U.S. swimmers
RIO DE JANEIRO — Kevin Durant and fellow members of the U.S. men’s basketball team led a raucous collection of American superstars who screamed Michael Phelps to more Olympic glory on Tuesday night.
Durant, DeAndre Jordan, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson ventured to the Olympic Aquatics Stadium to witness Phelps claiming gold in the 200 meter butterfly, heading the cheers with chants of “U-S-A” and waving flags in support of the U.S. pool contingent.
“It is awesome to see those getting behind the country and the whole Olympic team,” tennis player Denis Kudla, sitting in the same section, told Paste BN Sports. “They are loud and proud to support their teammates. Because for these couple of weeks we all have hundreds of teammates, not just a few like on a ball team.”
Golfer Bubba Watson was also on hand to take in the evening session, clad head to toe in a bright white Olympic tracksuit and mingling with other athletes.
“It is like a show within a show,” Daryl Reid, a physical therapist for the Seychelles national swim team, said.
Phelps was clearly the main draw — Jordan was heard shouting “Awesome, awesome,” following the swimming legend’s butterfly triumph. As Phelps walked around the side of the pool after the medal presentation, he acknowledged Jordan and pumped his fist in time with the basketball star’s applause.
The rest of the American swimming team appreciated the vociferous support from the athletes’ section, too.
“We have got to meet the basketball guys, and it is so cool that they came down to support us,” said Caeleb Dressel, following his semifinal in the 100-meter freestyle. “To have them backing us up is a treat. I hope I get to do the same for them later on after the competition.”
Katie Ledecky, who won a gold medal in the 200-meter freestyle (her second individual gold of the game), was thrilled to see the hoops stars in the house.
“Having those guys in the stands, it’s great because we want to inspire them," she said.
SWIMMING AT THE RIO OLYMPICS