Longtime Coach Says Michael Phelps Could Return To Swimming Soon
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Baltimore bullet could be back! There's word that Michael Phelps could begin competing in meets over the next few weeks.
Jessica Kartalija explains that could mean an appearance in the 2016 Olympics.
He hasn't competed since the London games, but contrary to what he has said in the past, 28-year-old Michael Phelps could be headed for Rio.
"I signed my retirement papers after London. There are no plans to head back to swim in Rio," Phelps said.
This after his coach, Bob Bowman, said he's been practicing five times a week.
Phelps has also been seen regularly at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club in Meadowbrook.
After taking up golf as a hobby, Phelps decided to rejoin the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's drug testing pool last year, regaining eligibility for competition earlier this month.
In total, Phelps has won 18 gold and 22 overall medals over the course of his Olympic career.
"I did everything I wanted to do and that's how I wanted to hang my suit up when I retired," Phelps said.
The next two Grand Prix swimming events are in the next two months. There's one in April in Arizona and one in May in North Carolina.
Another event to keep an eye on--the U.S. championships in Irvine, Calif. later this year.
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