This Olympian Couldn't Attend Rio's Opener, So He Made His Own

Ben Kanute hasn’t even touched down in Rio de Janeiro yet and he’s already won the spirit award.

The Olympic triathlete hilariously staged his own opening ceremony on the streets of Arizona after missing Friday’s big opener because he was training back in the states.

In a video posted to Instagram that same day, the 23-year-old is seen donning Team USA’s official Ralph Lauren outfit as he waves, takes selfies and is cheered on by three buddies wearing American flag apparel.

In the background blares the Olympic anthem’s “Bugler’s Dream.”

“I don’t get to Rio until Aug. 12 and I was a bit bummed I wouldn’t get to walk at the opening ceremony,” he told NBC’s TODAY. “I’m at training camp in Arizona and a bunch of us were talking about it and decided to just make our own. I figured I had all the stuff and the uniform, so we filmed a video of me walking, and training partners were the cheering audience.”

Kanute’s fans will be able to cheer him on in Rio on Aug. 18 when he competes in the men’s triathlon.

For more Olympics coverage:

• Meet Fu Yuanhui, The Most Lovable Athlete At The Rio Olympics

• Look At This Photo Of 9-Year-Old Katie Ledecky Getting Michael Phelps’ Autograph

• Michael Phelps’ Son Finally Woke Up To See His Dad Win Gold