Phelps Makes Appearance at Arena Pro Swim Series Austin

by Retta Race 18

January 15th, 2015 National, News, Pro Swim Series

Austin, Texas – The Lee and Joe Jamail Swimming Center saw the greatest Olympian of all time on its deck this morning at the Arena Pro Swim Series Austin prelims.  Michael Phelps was seen standing poolside, along with Coach Bob Bowman, looking calm and relaxed, as he watched his fellow North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC) teammates compete.  Phelps also was seen at U.S. Winter Nationals in December last year at the Greensboro Aquatic Center.

Phelps is in the midst of serving his 6-month suspension issued by USA Swimming last October for a DUI incident; a charge in which Phelps pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18-months probation with a one-year suspended jail sentence.

It has been reported that Phelps will be present in a competitive capacity at the Chartres, France stop of the 2015 FINA World Cup Series, but no other competitions for the Olympian have yet been officially announced.

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Swimmer A
9 years ago

The article makes reference to an “18-month parole with a one-year suspended jail sentence.” Does that mean Phelps is supposed to serve a year in jail at some point?

dmswim
Reply to  Swimmer A
9 years ago

A suspended jail sentence means that if someone violates their parole, they are subject to that sentence. As long as they successfully complete parole and any other requirements, they will never have to serve the jail time.

Caitlin Garrison
Reply to  dmswim
9 years ago

violates their probation, not parole.

completelyconquered
9 years ago

Interesting * 🙂

completelyconquered
9 years ago

More intesting, I think, are the guys playing paper, rock, scissor behind him.

Joel Lin
9 years ago

Love the so subtle Under Armour sponsor logo.

ole 99
9 years ago

I don’t really care one way or the other, but I am surprised that Phelps’s suspension allows him to be on deck/attend any sanctioned meet.

Admin
Reply to  ole 99
9 years ago

ole 99 – a few people had that same question, so we looked up the rule: USA Sw “303.4 A swimmer shall cease to be eligible to COMPETE in events conducted by USA Swimming”

bobo gigi
Reply to  ole 99
9 years ago

He’s not a terrorist!

ole 99
Reply to  bobo gigi
9 years ago

Not implying he is. As I stated, I don’t really care one way or another. I just thought it was interesting given my own, admittedly anecdotal and perhaps incorrect, recollection of other sports here in the US where suspended athletes are not allowed on the sidelines.

USA Official
Reply to  ole 99
9 years ago

Ole 99 is right. He is not a registered athlete, nor a coach and has no business on deck. It is not different than any other non-registered person deciding that they would like to be on deck. It is not appropriate.

Diana
Reply to  USA Official
9 years ago

Well if it’s not appropriate for him to stand on the pool deck, someone should have stopped him, like Bob for starters. Anyone who cares about his well being shouldn’t permit him to break MORE rules! That’s the last thing he needs.

SwimGuy
9 years ago

Love the man. Made some mistakes and has to accept them. Glad he was there to support his fellow swimmers.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  SwimGuy
9 years ago

who doesn’t accept mistakes ? fools maybe …..

9 years ago

I wonder if he will talk to any of the media?

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Manyi Eta-Okang
9 years ago

Probably not , just to keep focus on what matters now .

bobo gigi
Reply to  ERVINFORTHEWIN
9 years ago

If it’s to answer useless questions, I think it would be a waste of time.

Caitlin Garrison
Reply to  bobo gigi
9 years ago

I don’t think the questions would necessarily be useless but it was the right decision to not meet with media. The focus should be on the competitors, not on him. He has too much stuff swirling around him right now that would be a distraction.

About Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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