Already have an account?
Get back to the

Michael Phelps Comes Out of Retirement, Could Swim in 2016 Rio Olympics

Michael Phelps at the London 2012 Olympic Games

Guess retirement didn't suit Michael Phelps. The decorated Olympics swimmer, who holds a record 22 medals, is coming out of retirement and is expected to compete at the Arena Grand Prix in Mesa, Ariz. — his first competition since the 2012 games in London.

"As of today, I definitely expect him to swim," Phelps' coach Bob Bowman told USA Today.

Related: PHOTOS: Michael's hot body evolution

Phelps, 28, has already entered to swim in the 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle events. "We're looking forward to it. I think it'll be great for the sport to have Michael compete again. We really don't have any expectations for what might happen," Bowman says.

Related: PHOTOS: Olympic scandals

The decorated athlete, who has already competed in four Olympic games, submitted for drug testing earlier this year and regained his eligibility to compete last month. No word yet on whether Mesa means Phelps will compete at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"We just want to have some fun with it and see how it goes," Bowman cautioned.

Related: PHOTOS: Olympic stars then and now

Back in May 2012, pre-London, Phelps vowed he would go to Rio as a spectator only. "Once I retire, I'm retiring. I'm done," he said during a 60 Minutes interview.

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!