In an interview with the Today Show, 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps hinted that he may not be done with his swimming career.
Responding to a question regarding a possible comeback, Phelps did not give a definitive answer. “My wife said to Lester (Holt) in (2016), back in Rio, that if I did come back, it would be in L.A.,” Phelps recalled, referring to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
However, shortly afterwards, Phelps turned toward the camera and stated, “I’m not coming back now! Don’t get any ideas.”
Phelps elaborated on his response, saying that he’s “completely happy” with his retirement, and that he still does get in the water from time-to-time. Phelps, a father of 3, also said, “If my boys, at some point, ask when I’m going to or why I’m not competing, we’ll see what the answer is then.”
The most decorated Olympian of all-time, Phelps competed in 5 Olympic Games for the United States. Over the course of his career, he racked up a total of 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds.
Phelps originally retired from the sport following the 2012 Olympic Games, but later came out of retirement and competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At those Games, Phelps won 5 gold medals and 1 silver medal. Phelps retired after Rio and has not competed since August 14, 2016. If he were to come out of retirement for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, Phelps would be 43-years-old.
Fat chance.
Maybe he could get to relays…200m free?
i am big fan of michal he should come back
Phelps can break Hayden’s record for oldest man under 48 in the 100 FR at LA 2028
Janet Evans made a comeback in her 40s. Came nowhere close to the Olympics, but it was still cool to see the legend complete
aaaaa
When I read the headline & thought about a 43-year old in 2028 swimming, my first thought was “surely you jest”. Then I recalled a 40-yo Mark Spitz trying in 1990 to make the Barcelona Olympic Team, & Gary Hall Sr. said (Gary, correct me if I am wrong about this), “If anyone could do it, Mark can.” Almost like a combination of superlative skill plus sheer force of will. However, it did not happen as he wished.
If Torres didn’t dope, then she did it at 43.
And yes – Dara Torres for sure. .08 I believe from gold in the 50.
Michael Phelps may, indeed, be the GOAT when it comes to swimming, but his NBC appearances and “commentary” so far have been little more than insipid and NOT informative for the common viewer who might want to know more about swimming.
A very disappointing set of appearances by MP.
None of his gold medals were in congeniality
Please don’t. Spitz made a legitimate comeback attempt for the 1992 Olympics and failed miserably. You would be the age Spitz was when he tried for Olympic glory one last time. A lot can happen between now and 2028. By then a new generation will be swimming and you won’t be able to compete.
While I agree that Phelps is not likely to make a team at that age, I do think he’d have a better shot than Spitz. When Mark attempted his comeback, he was practicing medicine full time and training in spare time. An early-40’s Phelps is going to be able to just train full time for a year or two. What he’d enter would depend on what events have moved on the least from his days, but I think if the field is favorable and he focuses on freestyle, he’s got a much better shot of top 6 in one of the frees than Spitz or he would have at top 2 in anything.
And then there’s this: if he… Read more »
I agree; however, Mark Spitz the swimmer was never a doctor. As I recall, he did at one time aspire to be a dentist. I went to IU Bloomington at the same time, during the legendary “Doc” years. Check out the Wiki website as well. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Spitz#Post-swimming_career
Oh my gosh you’re completely right. I was conflating Spitz with Gary Hall. Thank you for the correction!!
Yeah, but no one remembers the comebacks unless they go well.
Emmitt Smith on the Cardinals? Hell Joe Montana made the AFC champ game with the Chiefs I think, but no one even knows. But people’ll prolly remember Tom Brady’s time on the Bucs b/c he won, so there’s only upside imo.
I still don’t think he should do it – he could prolly make the team in Paris if he gives it a legitimate go, but LA is too far away.