Q: Where are Michael Phelps, pro golfers and tennis players living during the Olympics?
—Al Cooper, Atlanta
A: Phelps, who has won 23 career gold medals and 28 total, and United States swimming teammate Ryan Lochte are roommates in the Olympic Village at this year's Games.
Great Britain’s Andy Murray, the No. 2-ranked men’s tennis player in the world who won Wimbledon last month and two gold medals, also was living in the Olympic Village this year.
There was talk about Murray moving out of the village because of security issues, but ESPN.com reported Aug. 5 that he would stay through the end of the Olympics.
“Everybody has been respectful and Andy cares about people,” Great Britain tennis coach Leon Smith told ESPN.com. “That’s why he is in the village, so he can be around the other athletes and spend time with them.”
Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked men’s player, said earlier this year that he wouldn’t stay in the Olympic Village. Serena and Venus Williams have stayed in the village in past Olympics, but aren’t there this year, the Los Angeles Times reported.
U.S. golfer Bubba Watson originally was scheduled to live in a high-rise in Rio de Janeiro, USA Today reported, but instead roomed with fellow pro golfer Rickie Fowler in the village.
Watson, a two-time Masters champion, has tweeted several photos of himself hanging out with other members of Team USA and at other Olympic competitions, such as field hockey, table tennis and badminton.
Team USA player Denis Kudla said Watson “loves being part of the U.S. team; you notice that within about two seconds,” USA Today reported.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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