RIO DE JANEIRO — They're everywhere; the best athletes in the world all in one spot, and Jared Ward is one of them.

"You know, it's really cool. It really is,” Ward said. "I feel like I'm part of something huge when you see those guys or you see the women’s gymnastics team heading out."

The athlete’s village in Rio de Janeiro is a long way from Utah. But Ward, who graduated from Davis High School, BYU and lives in Provo, isn't really nervous anymore.

He's run plenty of marathons and realizes this one isn't really that different.

"When I get on the line, I feel like I know what to do and I know what I'm going to do and that's not as nerve-racking to me and that's what I'm excited for,” Ward said. “The nerves are everything else. It's the hype and the buildings and athletes."

The hype is a reason why he wanted to get to Rio so early, even though the marathon is on the last day of competition, so he could get used to the hype. Especially the opening ceremonies.

"It was the loudest, one of the loudest things I've ever heard, when we walked in and the crowds were incredible there,” Ward said.

He also got a kick out of seeing Michael Phelps walking the American flag in Macarena Stadium.

"That's fun to see, kind of the iconic guys like him and be like, ‘Oh, wow, he's standing right there.’ Or the opening ceremonies with the basketball team, Kevin Durant walks by and gives me a fist bump and says 'Nice stache.' I was like, thanks,” Ward said with a big laugh.

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However, it's now time to get focused on why he's there, he said. So far, his training runs have been great.

"I think I'm in the best shape of my life and it's a good time to be,” Ward said. “My runs have been fantastic. My build up went really well. We’re pretty much into taper now. I had my last long run yesterday. I went 18 miles and it went well.”

It may be cool being among Team USA superstars. Still, Ward feels it's those close to him who will help him to the finish line.

"I feel like, it's been a blessing in my life that a lot of my biggest heroes are people close to me anyway. It's my mom and dad that are the heroes and it's my wife that's the hero,” Ward said. “I feel like I have the opportunity to go out and run for not just myself, but for all the people who have supported me. My hometown and my community. It’s empowering.”

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