Michael Phelps: “It Was Weird Racing Again”

Photo Courtesy: Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Sports

Editorial content for the 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa is sponsored by Arena. For full Swimming World coverage, check out our coverage page.

By Jeff Commings

In the span of 52.92 seconds, the drama of the past seven months became just another chapter in Michael Phelps’ life. He started work on the latest epic journey by qualifying first in the prelims of the 100 butterfly at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Mesa, Ariz., with a 52.92.

The swim marked Phelps’ first race since ending his six-month competition ban, brought on by his DUI arrest in late September. He was able to continue to train uninterrupted at North Baltimore Aquatic Club, with his eyes set on this summer’s USA Swimming nationals as his major competition.

“It was weird racing again because it’s been so long,” Phelps said. “Bob (his coach, Bob Bowman) said ‘Don’t worry about your stroke. Just get in there and race.’ I did what I had to do.”

Phelps will be up against an impressive field in tonight’s 100 fly championship final. Tim Phillips, who replaced Michael Phelps on the world championship team when Phelps withdrew, qualified second. Also in the field is national champion Tom Shields, Ryan Lochte, Matt Josa and Giles Smith. Tonight’s race could be a preview of the 100 fly final at next year’s Olympic Trials.

Though Phelps said publicly that he’s focused on making the team for the Rio Olympics, he’s enjoying living in the present. He’s engaged to longtime girlfriend Nicole Johnson and his training level is right on target, according to Bowman. He’s also launching a new line of competition suits and apparel through Aquasphere, which made its debut this week.

“I love who I am right now,” Phelps said.

If Phelps is to qualify for his fifth Olympic squad, he knows he’ll have to ramp up the training load, which is not as easy to do at 31 as it was when he was 21.

“When I think back to 2004, and going into 2008, that was … the healthiest I’ve ever been,” he said. “Getting back to those training times would be great.”

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Aman Shaikh

9 years ago

Super star