Share

Phelps vague about future

Barcelona - When Michael Phelps walked away from swimming after the London Olympics, he was adamant about one thing: His career was over.

Now, it sounds like he's not so sure.

While saying he's never been happier with his life — and certainly doesn't miss the grind of what it took to become the most decorated Olympic athlete — Phelps left the door open to change his mind before the 2016 Rio Games.

"I don't know what's going to happen in the future," Phelps said Monday.

"I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow."

In Barcelona for the world swimming championships, Phelps spoke to The Associated Press and other international media organizations in a series of one-on-one interviews set up by his sponsor, Speedo.

When asked whether he'll compete at the next Olympics, Phelps now says he hasn't planned that far ahead in his life.

That's a striking change from his comments before and immediately after the London Games, when he insisted his retirement was set in stone and it had always been his goal to quit swimming before he turned 30.

Phelps will be 31 at the time of the opening ceremony for the Rio Games.

"I don't know. We're in 2013," he said, while adding, "There's nothing in the works."

There's plenty of time for a comeback. Phelps would likely want to begin training before the end of the year, which would allow him to get into peak condition leading up to the next world championships in 2015, an important steppingstone for the Olympics.

Phelps certainly isn't training at the moment. He jammed the small toe of his right foot on the edge of a sofa while at home in Baltimore, and aggravated the injury when he played in a golf tournament at Lake Tahoe.

He's wearing a boot cast on his foot while in Barcelona.

After some sightseeing and promotional appearances, Phelps took in a second night of swimming at the Palau Sant Jordi before heading back to the U.S. on Tuesday. He's accompanied by his new girlfriend, Golf Channel reporter Win McMurry.

Phelps was still seething about the U.S. loss in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on Sunday. The American was edged at the finish by the French, a repeat of last summer's Olympics when a team that included Phelps also settled for silver.

He said the Americans should have gone with a different line-up, using Jimmy Feigen in the leadoff spot and Nathan Adrian as the anchor. Instead, Adrian went first and Feigen took over for the finish despite being the least experienced member of the U.S. foursome.

"We should never lose that race," Phelps said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE