Why Michael Phelps Was Laughing During the National Anthem

Michael Phelps is having the time of his life—it was written all over his face.

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In the midst of receiving his 20th Olympics gold medal after winning the 200-meter fly final on Aug. 9, Phelps keeled over in laughter as the national anthem played.

Phelps heard the “O” during the anthem pic.twitter.com/s11m18A2ni

— Jameson Cokas (@jameson2111) August 10, 2016

Social media users were confused about the sudden outburst.

Real question, what was Phelps laughing so hard?

— Erin Lange (@erinlange4) August 10, 2016

Did anyone figure out what Phelps was laughing so hard at? #IWannaLaughToo

— Lexi Slater (@9slater) August 10, 2016

I’m watching a clean feed of Phelps with no cutaways. why is he laughing?! OMG THE SUSPENSE.

— Steph Stricklen (@StephStricklen) August 10, 2016

According to a report by Sports Illustrated, Phelps’s hometown friends were the reason behind his giggles. 

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“My boys from Baltimore were down on the other end, and back in Maryland, we all say “O!” for the Orioles during that part of the national anthem,” Phelps explained in an interview with NBC.

“And all of the sudden I hear them roar ‘O!’ and I knew exactly where it came from, and I just lost it because those guys came down from Baltimore and New York City to be here, and it’s just special to see those guys in the stands.”

Apparently, its a common tradition in Maryland, as some Twitter users noted.

When Michael Phelps starts laughing after the “oh” in the national anthem you know someone yelled O for the Orioles #BaltimoreProud

— Delaney (@DelaneyDold) August 10, 2016

All #Marylanders know why #Phelps was laughing on the podium. #Rio2016 #RioOlympics2016 #Orioles

— Dave Yoakum (@dawiyo) August 10, 2016

Marylanders know why Phelps was laughing…

O!!!

— Gomes (@GomesBolt) August 10, 2016

However, some users wondered about the unfair criticism Gabby Douglas received for her behavior as the national anthem played. 

So folks are going in on Gabby Douglas about the national anthem, but Michael Phelps laughing during is okay? Um.

— Robert! (@RPinHD) August 10, 2016

If you didn’t get mad at Michael Phelps for laughing during the National Anthem, you have no business being upset w/Gabby Douglas. #Olympics

— Cathy Herard (@CathyIsReal) August 11, 2016

So folks are going in on Gabby Douglas about the national anthem, but Michael Phelps laughing during is okay? Um.

— Robert! (@RPinHD) August 10, 2016

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Douglas, who was criticized for not placing her right hand over her heart during the gold medal ceremony on Aug. 9 clarified the situation in a statement. 

“In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played,” she wrote. “I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone.”