According to the swimmer’s longtime coach, Bob Bowman, Phelps is entering a meet in Mesa, Ariz., April 24-26, which will also feature Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte. He will compete in the 50 and 100-meter freestyles and the 100 butterfly. Many hypothesize it’s just an initial step in getting back into the training regimen needed to possibly enter the upcoming Olympic games in Brazil.
“I think he’s just going to test the waters a little bit and see how it goes,” Bowman said by phone from Baltimore. “I wouldn’t say it’s a full-fledged comeback.” …
… Bowman said Phelps is “pretty far” from being back in top form. He’s been training Monday through Friday with Bowman’s team at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.
“He’s gotten back into good shape since September,” the coach said. “He can give a good effort and certainly not be embarrassed. He’s in enough shape to swim competitively.”
“As of today, I definitely expect him to swim,” … Bowman told USA TODAY Sports by phone Monday. “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. We just want to have some fun with it and see how it goes.”
Just in case you forgot how epic Phelps was …
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports – @JHelmuth – Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
