Race Video: Michael Phelps Makes Return With 100 Fly

Apr 15, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; 18-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps holds a press conference at the Arena Pro Swim Series at Skyline Aquatic Center in Mesa, AZ. Phelps, 29, returns from a six-month suspension by USA Swimming after his arrest Sept. 30 when he was accused of driving under the influence. Phelps pleaded guilty to that charge in December was sentenced to 18 months supervised probation in lieu of one year in prison. The probation includes random drug and alcohol testing. Phelps also completed a 45-day treatment program in Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Photo Courtesy: Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Sports

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In his first official swim back since a six-month suspension for a DUI charge in October, the legendary Michael Phelps paced preliminary qualifying in the men’s 100-meter fly at the Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa.

Phelps, who had his first swims in front of a crowd last month while throwing down some epic exhibition times in short course yards at the American Short Course Championships, put up the top time this morning in the long course event with a 52.92.

Phelps has a bit more time to drop tonight to crack the top 10 in the world currently anchored by David Morgan with a 52.03 from the Australian Championships.

SwimMAC’s Tim Phillips qualified second in 53.02, while SwimMAC’s Ryan Lochte set up a tough double with a third-seeded 53.17.

California’s Tom Shields snared the fourth seed in 53.28, while NCAA Division II wonder Matt Josa posted a fifth-seeded 53.32.

Phoenix’s Giles Smith (53.70) and Alex Coci (53.82) took sixth and seventh with Grand Canyon’s Marcus Schlesinger posting an eighth-seeded 53.86 to round out the top eight.

FULL RESULTS WITH SPLITS

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coacherik
coacherik
8 years ago

Actually, kinda hit the turn this time around. Better then last year. Finish, eh..

Looks like he’s in great shape though, smooth.

Missy LaNasa Reynolds
8 years ago

Yay Michael!

Kristie Wisniewski
8 years ago

He is such a natural butterflier.

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