Michael Phelps will make his competitive comeback in May after serving a three-month suspension. His first race since being snapped with a pot pipe over his nozzle will be at the 25th annual Charlotte UltraSwim meeting from May 14-17, organisers said today.
The greatest Olympian of all-time, winner of a record eight gold medals in 2008 and 14 hold medals in 2004 and 2008, was banned by USA Swimming amid controversy over a photograph published in a tabloid newspaper that appeared to show him smoking marijuana.
"Michael is focused on practising and regaining the mental and physical momentum he achieved going into the Beijing Olympics," his coach Bob Bowman said in a statement. "He is committed to a very demanding and rigorous training schedule as he prepares for upcoming meets and the FINA world championships [Rome in July}."
Good to hear. Phelps would, of course, be allowed to compete overseas, should he wish to. His penalty is domestic and would not necessarily apply beyond USA jurisdiction. Phelps is likely, however, to play it by the book after an error of judgment for which he has duly apologised.
