Michael Phelps said in 2012 that he had accomplished everything he wanted in the sport of swimming. Apparently he’s changed his mind.
Michael Phelps coming out of retirement
The most decorated athlete in Olympic history is returning to the pool.
Al Bello
The 29-year-old Phelps is coming out of retirement, according to the Associated Press. He will compete in a meet in Mesa, Ariz. on April 24-26, marking his first competition since the 2012 London Olympics. USA Swimming confirmed on Monday that Phelps, who returned to training last fall and re-entered the US drug-testing program, will join fellow Olympians Ryan Lochte and Katie Ledecky at the Arena Grand Prix.
That could be the first step to making the trip Rio for the 2016 Games.
Phelps, the most decorated athlete in Olympic history, has won 22 medals in three his three Summer Games, 18 of which are gold. At the 2008 Beijing Games, he set the record for most medals in a single Games by nabbing eight.
“I accomplished every goal I ever wanted to,” Phelps told ESPN after his retirement in 2012. “I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do ... and, at that point, it’s just time to move on.”
There are a lot swimming fans that are happy he has still has a few more items on his checklist.
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