US team missing Phelps

Barcelona - The US swimming team competing at the world championships in Barcelona is missing superstar Michael Phelps.

Teenager Missy Franklin, who is in pursuit of eight world championship gold medals at a single event - a feat no other swimmer, not even Phelps managed - said on Monday that they continued to look up to Phelps.

"I got to see Michael on Sunday and it was so wonderful. It is so good to see him. We miss him so much. The team is not the same without him," the 18 year-old said.

"But we still have an incredible team, he taught us so much and we are all excited to kind of carry on his legacy after him."

Phelps, 28, retired after last year's London Olympics, where he won the last of his record 18 gold medals. Phelps, who is in Barcelona for a sponsor, also won 33 medals at the long course world championships (26 gold, 6 silver, 1 bronze).