Does Michael Phelps Still Have Something To Prove?

Photo Courtesy: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Editorial content for the 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series – Mesa is sponsored by Arena. Click here to visit Swimming World’s meet coverage landing page.

Commentary by Jeff Commings

For the second year in a row, Michael Phelps is putting the world’s attention on the small city of Mesa. The Greatest Olympian Of All Time (perhaps that should be in all capital letters to further exemplify his status) is just one of hundreds of swimmers competing this weekend at the Arena Pro Swim Series in central Arizona, but ticket sales are blooming mostly because it’s Phelps return to competition after some time away.

Last year, Phelps swam in a couple of events in his first meet since the London Olympics. That was after a 21-month break from racing and appearing on fans’ televisions and laptop monitors. The crowd went nuts before he stepped on the blocks for his 100 fly prelim swim, excited to see the most recognizable face in swimming back in the pool.

Tomorrow, we’ll see how the crowd reacts to Phelps when he prepares to race the 100 fly around 10:45 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. Will they cheer and whistle as they did last year, or have recent events dampened fan enthusiasm?

In case you have not been following Phelps’ story in the past eight months, here’s a recap: Phelps was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in late September, and was subsequently given a suspended sentence by the Maryland court. As for his professional career, USA Swimming handed him a a six-month ban from competition and Phelps agreed to withdraw his name from the world championship roster.

During the competition ban, swimming enthusiasts have commented positively and negatively about Phelps’ run-in with the law. It is his second DUI arrest (he was pulled over in 2009) and his second competition ban (he got a suspension after the infamous bong pipe incident in 2009). It’s natural for many to wonder if he should be viewed as a role model. But a word of caution to those that speak negatively about Michael Phelps: It only serves to fuel his fire.

Not that Phelps needs any motivation. He has nothing to prove as a public figure, having apologized and served his time. He has nothing to prove as a swimmer, and the 22 Olympic medals serve as very powerful examples of that. I believe Phelps views this week’s meet as just another competition on the road to returning to the Olympics next year. Sure, there was a speed bump seven months ago, but the road ahead looks clear.

The competition ban didn’t keep Phelps from training with the elite squad at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, so he should be in prime shape to put forth some impressive times this week in Mesa. The 100 fly battle with Tom Shields and Ryan Lochte should be intense, as will the 200 IM race with Lochte.

And once the races end, kids will clamor to the front of the scrum, their tiny hands shaking their autograph books in an attempt to get Phelps’ attention. Some of these kids will know Phelps’ history with the law, but once they get close enough to snap a selfie with him, all will be forgiven.

Arena Pro Swim Series – Mesa psych sheet

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Paul White

9 years ago

Not to me…..maybe to himself

Manyi Eta-Okang

9 years ago

no not really. Maybe to himself

Bill Bell

9 years ago

He has nothing to prove now but presuming he makes the plane to Rio he’ll want to prove he’s still the GOAT and the Jack Congers and Tom Shields and Joseph Scholings and Chad Ie Closes and yes, the Kosuke Hagino’s too of th swimming world will just have to wait ‘ till Tokyo!

Van DO

9 years ago

Nothing to Prove but to IMPROVE !!!!

Michael Fleming

9 years ago

If people will buy his suit. That’s about it

Bruno Babastre

9 years ago

Yes!

Richard Egan

9 years ago

Geno Young

9 years ago

Nathan

9 years ago

Wow, do we really need another article devoted describing Phelps’s mess-ups? Don’t title an article like this and then spend half the space recapping what everyone already knows.

Jody Beth Bognar

9 years ago

He did enough to prove he was/is a great swimmer/athlete already.

Kristie Wisniewski

9 years ago

Swimming is all he knows. He is still plenty able to compete in Fly and maybe the IM. He may be the Dara Torres of Fly and keep going until his 40’s.

Jocelyne Humbert O'Kane

9 years ago

What a question.

Jennifer Regh Brunetti

9 years ago

No ….but too a true competitor they always trying for more. Good luck!!

Pablo Valedon

9 years ago

Not really but it would just be an unattainable record for future swimmers or Olympic athletes in general.
It took 35years to break mark spitz’s record of 7 golds and almost as long for the most decorated Olympic athlete in history.
So go for it Michael Phelps.