Sports
Rio Olympics: Swimmer Conor Dwyer Plans to 'Kick It' With Comedian Leslie Jones at the Games
The Winnetka Olympian also talks about how Michael Phelps owes him and why he would beat his fellow U.S. swimmer in a foot race.

Now that he's finished competing in Olympic events in Rio de Janeiro, Winnetka swimmer Conor Dwyer has been making the media rounds, talking about his experience at the Games as he enjoys his time from now until the closing ceremony.
Dwyer, who won an individual bronze medal in the 200-meter freestyle and team gold in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, was interviewed Thursday by Hannah Storm for ESPN and by Charli James for ABCNews.com.
Here are a few of the highlights from those interviews:
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On Actress-Comedian Leslie Jones, a Dwyer Super Fan
The Saturday Night Live cast member and Ghostbuster star has not been shy about showing her love online for the men's U.S. swim team, in general, and Dwyer, in particular. In fact, Jones' Olympic commentary on Twitter earned her an invitation from NBC to go to Rio and help cover the event.
Dwyer has appreciated her online support, and he plans to get together with her in person now that she'll be at the Games.
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"She's just been killing it on social media for USA Swimming, and she took a liking for me on Day 1. … We're going to go meet her, hang out and go kick it at Copacabana," he said in the ABC News interview.
Dwyer already has fulfilled one online request from Jones: a Dwyer USA T-shirt like his friends and family were seen wearing as they cheered on the swimmer in Rio.
I WANT A SHIRT CONOR!! pic.twitter.com/W1YtO2aL04
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 9, 2016
On Throwing Out the First Pitch for the Cubs
At this point, Dwyer could have an unofficial spot in the starting rotation for the Chicago Cubs given how many times he's thrown out the first pitch for the team.
The Cubs have invited Dwyer to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at an unspecified game this season, marking the third time for the swimmer. He previously tossed out pitches in 2014 and 2015.
More Patch Coverage of Conor Dwyer
- Swimmer Conor Dwyer Wins Gold as Part of 4x200-Meter Freestyle Relay Team
- Is Swimmer Conor Dwyer Leslie Jones' New Sexy Vanilla Muffin?
- Swimmer Conor Dwyer Wins Bronze in 200-Meter Freestyle
- Local Swimmers Conor Dwyer, Olivia Smoliga Move On to Medal Rounds
- Winnetka Swimmer Conor Dwyer Finishes 4th in 400-Meter Freestyle
"They're on fire this year," he said. "They haven't won a title since 1908 so maybe this is the year, like we always say. And it'll be good to get back there and hang out with those guys."
Dwyer's Cubs connection runs deep, too. His late grandfather was Jim Dowdle, the Tribune Co. executive vice president responsible of hiring Harry Caray as the team's announcer.
On Sharing His Swim Cap With Michael Phelps
During the U.S. team's dominating performance in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, the only suspense came when swimmer Michael Phelps ripped his swim cap right before anchoring the final leg of the race.

Thankfully, Dwyer—who Phleps calls "Diddy"—was there for his teammate.

"He was a little rattled, looking around for a cap," Dwyer said. "I gave him mine. It fit really well, and I think that's one of the only times a cap has swam twice in a relay, so Mike owes me one. I think we're going to frame both caps and sign them."
Although Dwyer has the cap that competed stowed in his backpack, he still needs to locate Phelps' broken one.
On Who Would Win in a Land Race Between Him and Phelps
"I would toss him in a land race, that's for sure," Dwyer said. "I've got long legs, he's got the shorter legs. I'd get him on land."
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