Michael Phelps Gets Back in the Pool

When the 2012 Summer Olympics ended, swimmer Michael Phelps left London with four gold and two silver medals, giving him 18 golds and 22 total medals in his career. He also said his swimming days were over.

But Phelps' retirement lasted less than two years. In an interview with the Associated Press, Phelps' coach Bob Bowman said the swimmer would compete at the Arena Grand Prix, taking place April 24-26 in Mesa, Arizona. He's currently entered in three events: the 50- and 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly.

If Phelps hits the pool in a couple weeks, it will his first competitive action since the 2012 Olympics. And that has some people speculating he's gearing up for a run at the 2016 Games in Brazil. But Bowman said to keep expectations in check.

"I think he's just going to test the waters a little bit and see how it goes," he told the AP. "I wouldn't say it's a full-fledged comeback."


How well do you think Michael Phelps will do in his first meet since the 2012 Olympics? Do you think he should have come out of retirement? Will he make the 2016 US Olympic team? Let us know in the comments section below!


Photo: Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated