Michael Phelps plans to compete in 2016 Olympics
Michael Phelps announces that plans to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Don’t call it a comeback.
Swimming sensation Michael Phelps announced Wednesday that he plans to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games next summer in Rio de Janeiro, according to ESPN. While many assumed Phelps would return after he came out of retirement last year, this is the first time that Phelps publicly announced his intention to swim in Rio.
Michael Phelps added that yes, he has officially decided he will try to compete next summer in Rio.
— Wayne Drehs (@W_Drehs) April 15, 2015
Phelps, who announced last year that he was coming out of retirement, will return to competition this week for the first time since his recent suspension from all USA Swimming events. He will compete in the Arena Pro Swim Series this week in Mesa, Arizona.
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Phelps received a six month suspension in October after he was arrested for DUI on September 30th in Maryland. His second DUI arrest in the last 10 years, Phelps, who was reportedly driving 39 mph over the speed limit, was also charged with excessive speed and crossing double lanes. One word, Michael: Uber.
As part of the suspension, Phelps was banned from participating in the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia. While some speculated that he would be reinstate for the event, Phelps shot those rumors down on Wednesday.
Though Phelps’ ban meant that he could not compete, the decorated swimmer has been staying in shape. According to fellow American swimmer Ryan Lochte, “the number one thing [Phelps’] doing is making sure he’s healthy.” Lochte, for one, had no doubt that Phelps would return:
“He loves the sport, Lochte continued. “He loves the excitement of getting on the blocks to race…once you’re in that racing mode, it’s hard to get rid of. I think that’s why he came back. He missed that excitement – racing the best people in the world.”
Phelps, who won his first Olympic medal in 2004, is the most decorated US Olympian of all time with 22 career Olympic medals. Amazingly, Phelps has as many gold medals (18) as any other Olympian in history has combined medals (Larisa Latynina, 18).
Though Phelps has suffered a few missteps over the years, his decade-long dominance in international competitions is without parallel. As the greatest American Olympian off all time, Phelps will undoubtedly impress in Rio.
Clearly, his teammates seem confident that he can return.
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