Michael Phelps‘ return to action had been set for three events, but that has already been reduced to two before the start of the meet.
Before the start of his press conference in Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s start of the 2014 Mesa Grand Prix, Phelps told assembled media, including our Mike Lewis, that he would be scratching the 100 free.
This means that he will be left with just the 50 free and the 100 fly as his two entries. The 100 fly will come on Thursday, where he had been scheduled to double up with the 100 free, and the 50 free will come on Friday.
Phelps’ coach Bob Bowman has said since the confirmation of Mesa as a comeback meet that the plan was to ease back into racing, and that this meet is really just more of a ‘chance to see’ than anything else.
A full recap of the press conference will be available on SwimSwam after its conclusion.
Smart!
really… come back for 2 events? just swim the 100, what is he afraid to lose against the 7 other Olympians?
No, I’m he knows that he is not in shape for 2 in one day. A logical, mature choice to make.
Very good choice from Michael.
It’s all about the 100 fly!
Yes, 100 fly is now Phelps’ most natural event, which has replaced 200 fly as he got older. Phelps can still swim sick 100 fly even without perfect preparation.
Will Phelps be representing his new Under Armour sponsor?
BREAKING NEWS: Phelps scratches all three events. Comeback was just a cruel April fools joke.
This joke was funnier when Jacob Pebley Tweeted it.