Fans watching Tuesday night’s relay race were cheering on Michael Phelps as he finished his final lap to win his 21st Olympic gold medal, but many may have noticed something different about the historic swimmer’s attire during the race.
That’s because Phelps’ cap had Conor Dwyer’s name on it.
Dwyer, known as “Diddy” to his teammates, had raced first in the men’s 4x200m fresstyle relay event Tuesday night and was cheering on his remaining teammates. But just moments before Phelps was set to begin his lap, his cap snapped.
“I was just focusing on cheering on the guys and then I got a tap on my shoulder from Michael and he said, ‘Diddy, I need your cap,’” Dwyer told NBC Chicago. “I was a little confused and then I looked down and saw his cap was shredded to pieces.”
Dwyer quickly gave Phelps his cap and Team USA went on to win a gold medal.
“I think I’m one of the first guys ever to have my cap swim two legs but I’m happy to hand it over to one of the greatest- or the greatest - Olympian of all time,” Dwyer said. “It’s an honor to have him wear my cap.”
