Michael Phelps Announces His Return To The Pool After Two Years Of Retirement
The most decorated Olympian had decided to come out of retirement and swim again after a 2 year absence with suggestions that he's looking to prepare for a possible comeback for the Rio Olympics 2016.
By Darian Goh — 24 Apr 2014, 06:31 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
In His Comeback Race, Michael Phelps Came In Second Place, 0.2 Seconds Behind Rival And Friend Ryan Lochte
Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte were head to head in Phelps' comeback race
Image via reachforthewall.comIn his first competition since coming out of retirement, Michael Phelps finished second to Ryan Lochte in the 100-meter butterfly at a Grand Prix event Thursday evening.
The longtime rivals provided their sport with a fast, close race before a sold-out crowd and reporters from around the world.
The 22-time Olympic medalist lost to Ryan Lochte in the 100-meter butterfly final at the Arena Grand Prix on Thursday night. Lochte touched first in 51.93 seconds, second-fastest in the world this year. Phelps took second in 52.13.
go.comAfter 2 Years, Michael Phelps Is Coming Out Of Retirement
Swimmer Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian in history, is set to end his retirement. The 28-year-old American, who has won 22 Olympic medals, is expected to compete at a meet in Arizona at the end of April.
The American, whose 22 Olympic medals include 18 golds, has not raced since London 2012 but he is among a strong entry for the Arena Grand Prix in Mesa, Arizona, where the 28-year-old is likely to be joined by his fellow Olympic medallists Ryan Lochte and Katie Ledecky.
theguardian.com
Michael Phelps Has Decided To Swim Competitively Again Because He Misses The Sport
Michael Phelps is making a comeback after nearly two years out of the pool for the simplest of reasons: He missed the sport that has been his entire life.
go.comThe 22-time Olympic medalist tried golf and high-stakes poker in a quest to satisfy his competitive drive. He found nothing compared to pulling on a suit and diving in. "Looking at a black line for hours on end, I don't know what made me do it," he said Wednesday, "but I'm having fun."
go.comHis Weight Gain Also Played A Small Part To Get Him Back Into The Sport
Eighteen-time Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps says concerns about weight gain were behind his decision to return to the sport.
"Getting back into shape was the number one thing," he said. "At my highest point, I was 225lb [102kg] and I raced at 187lb [85kg] in London, so the weight came on pretty quick."
Long-term coach Bob Bowman admitted the most decorated Olympian was "really out of shape" when he returned to the pool last year but the swimmer has made encouraging progress since.
He Has Since Lost Some Of The Weight He Gained To Be More Prepared For Competitions
He since has gotten back to the gym to get in shape for his competitions.
Image via washingtonpost.comAt his heaviest, Phelps weighed 225 pounds. He competed at 187 in London, and last week was down to 194.
go.comHaving shed the 30 pounds he piled on since retiring after the 2012 London Olympics, Phelps will resume his career starting Thursday at the Arena Grand Prix.
go.comHe returned to training last autumn, working throughout the week with his coach, Bob Bowman, at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.
theguardian.com
"He's got back into good shape since September," said the coach. "He can give a good effort and certainly not be embarrassed."
Phelps Could Feature In The 2016 Olympics If Preparations Goes Well
Michael Phelps could feature in the 2016 Olympics if preparations goes well.
Image via sportsgrid.comPhelps has not yet revealed whether he intends to put himself in the mix for the Olympics in Rio in 2016, and there are many who feel he will struggle to rediscover his form that made him swimming's hottest property.
theguardian.com
Phelps was noncommittal about whether his comeback would lead to swimming in the 2016 Rio Olympics, although he admitted that if he wants to compete at the highest level, he has to be ready by this summer.
go.comLast year, long-term coach Bob Bowman said Phelps was capable of adding to his stunning tally of medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.