The story-lines leading into London weren’t as clear-cut as Beijing for the media circus following the US swim team. Whereas 4 years prior everyone was talking about Michael Phelps and his quest for 8, the London Games were being hyped as a showdown between “rivals” Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.
But if there was one thing that the US squad would become known for – outside of a dominating showing in the pool where they would win 1/3 of the total US medal haul in London – is the fact that, well, they are adorable.
Over 12 million views later, as well as the supplemental national coverage of the social media juggernaut, the Carly Rae Jepsen “Call Me Maybe” lip-sync (who, incidentally, is Canadian) endeared the public with a sport that is only given wide-spread visibility when the Olympics show their face.
USA team members Alyssa Anderson, Kathleen Hersey and Caitlin Leverenz were the running force behind the video, with national team staff member Russell Mark putting the finishing touches on the video.
Almost the entire national team is in the video, with Phelps visible right at the beginning, as well as Ryan Lochte who makes a brief appearance that is befitting of his reality-television persona.
It is the other stars that make the biggest impression, most notably Missy Franklin, whose big smile and enthusiasm is impossible to miss, as well as team captain Brendan Hansen’s impeccable underwater dance moves. Other swimmers include Cullen Jones, Anthony Ervin, and Jimmy Feigen.
Here is the video:
