BALTIMORE – Michael Phelps continued his journey to redemption after last year’s DUI arrest and subsequent punishment with yesterday’s announcement that he is engaged to longtime girlfriend Nicole Johnson.<\/p>\n

Phelps shared a photo of him lying in the Maryland snow with Johnson on his Instagram account. Johnson can be seen wearing a shiny ring on her left ring finger.<\/p>\n

Johnson, crowned Miss California USA in 2010, started dating Phelps in 2007 but the two experienced a few breakups in the ensuing years. Johnson was thrust into the sports spotlight in 2011 when she was photographed at the 2011 FINA world championships cheering for Phelps alongside his mother, Debbie.<\/p>\n

$\"Nicole$ <\/a>

Photo Courtesy: OSports<\/p><\/div>\n

The 29-year-olds were reportedly dating last year when Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence in late September<\/a>. He received a suspended sentence and was banned from competition by USA Swimming for six months while also withdrawing from the world championship team. Phelps is scheduled to return to racing in April at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Arizona.<\/p>\n

Phelps and Johnson have not publicly announced a date. If the two are married before Phelps announces his next retirement, he will not be the only married athlete on USA Swimming’s national team list. Matt Grevers, David Plummer, Michael Klueh, Tom Shields, Natalie Coughlin, Jessica Hardy and Caitlin Leverenz each have spouses supporting them as they continue to excel as professional athletes. Breeja Larson is set to join that group in May.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n