Michael Phelps is most likely preparing for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Part of his preparation involves returning to swimming in under a couple of weeks to join the Charlotte Grand Prix on May 16, 2014, according to Bleacher Report.
The Charlotte Grand Prix will be the second event that the Olympic winner will join after coming back from retirement. Bob Bowman, Phelp's coach, made the announcement that the swimmer will join the 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly race. Bowman said that the goal is to increase Phelps' endurance and it is not yet certain whether his swimmer will join both races.
In a report by Sports Illustrated, Phelps shared on his Twitter account that he is very excited to be racing again and that he is glad to be back in training. In April 2014, Phelps returned from retirement by joining the Mesa Grand Prix. He finished second to Ryan Lochte in the 100-meter fly. The 22-time Olympic medalist won gold medals in previous Summer Olympics in the 100-meter butterfly and 200 freestyle. Phelps will turn 29 years old in June 2014 and was on a 20-month retirement before his return at the Mesa.
Many fans and coaches speculate that Phelps is aiming to be part of the 2016 Olympics which will be held in Rio de Janeiro. Phelps, however, has not made an official statement but shared about his smart decision to return to the swimming pool. In his four past Summer Games appearances, Phelps nabbed 18 gold medals out of his 22 total. Phelps said that he plans to be in great shape and condition over the summer to come back to swimming and compete at the highest level.
The Baltimore Sun wrote that Bowman said that the Charlotte Grand Prix can improve Phelps' speed and allow him to qualify in other events. One of the bigger objectives is to join the U.S. Nationals in August 2014. The U.S. Nationals will determine the swimmers who will comprise the American team for the World Championships in 2015.
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