Phelps set for return after suspension

SWIMMING:MICHAEL PHELPS is set to return to competitive swimming today after completing a three-month suspension following the publication of a picture apparently showing the multi-Olympic champion using illegal drugs.

The 23-year-old, who last year made history by becoming the first person to win eight gold medals at a single Olympic Games, in Beijing, was handed his ban by USA Swimming in February.

Pelps, who eclipsed compatriot Mark Spitz’s record of seven titles with his efforts in China, will make his return to action at the Charlotte Ultra Swim in North Carolina.

Phelps will compete in the 100 metres butterfly and 200 metres freestyle today, the 50 metres free and 100 metres backstroke tomorrow and the 100 metres free on Sunday.

He admits he is uncertain what the initial outcome will be following his enforced lay-off.

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen,” Phelps said. “But I’m really excited just to have the opportunity to race.

“I haven’t had that opportunity until now, and that’s the one thing I love about swimming is the racing aspect of it. Whatever happens, happens. We’ll go back to the drawing board from there.”

Adding to the uncertainty is Phelps’ choice of events for the first meet of his build-up to the 2012 Olympics in London, a programme that reflects an emphasis on shorter events.

Among those dropped from his Beijing individual programme are the 400 metres individual medley and the 200 metres butterfly, with only the 100 butterfly and 200 metres free retained, while Phelps has added the 50 metres and 100 metres free events as well as the 100 metres backstroke, in which he will face world record-holder Aaron Peirsol.

The multi-world champion likened his decision to Tiger Woods turning up at a tournament and concentrating on working on his short game, and also moved to dampen expectations by adding: “Nobody is going to be 100 per cent perfect every time they compete.”

Phelps, though, will begin in familiar waters, his opening event being the 200 free, for which he holds the world record.

He also underlined his commitment to swimming as his countdown to London 2012 begins.

“I feel like I have unfinished business,” he said.

“There are still things I want to accomplish before I’m finished in the sport.

“I’m not going to be done until I do that, and I think I can do it in the next four years.”