Michael Phelps appears to be giving strong consideration to participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Phelps rejoined the U.S. drug-testing program and underwent two doping tests, the Associated Press reports.
Phelps admitted he's not 100 percent decided on Rio, but the Olympian is working out again at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Getting into shape again and re-joining the drug program, which would make him eligible to compete in March, is a strong indicator that the 18-time Olympic gold medalist is at least keeping open the option of returning to competition.
"Nothing is set in stone. If I decide to keep going and swim again, then I'll compete," Phelps told the Associated Press during a phone interview. "If I don't, I guess I'll re-retire. Just don't compare me to Brett Favre."
Phelps has already been tested twice before Sept. 30, according to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Having chosen to reenter the drug-testing program, Phelps is giving himself plenty of time to prepare for the 2015 world championships in Russia, the next major swim meet.
"This may not go anywhere," said Bob Bowman, Phelp's former coach and close confidant. "We don't have an event picked out or anything like that. No grand scheme. It just sort of makes sense that he can make some choices if he wants to."
Bowman wasn't sure whether Phelps would compete again but said his former pupil would at least have the chance to if he felt inclined.
"I just think he's in a place where he's feeling good about swimming," Bowman said. "If he chooses to compete, he's got some time. I like having the ability to do it. To be perfectly honest, he's not anywhere near being able to compete in a meet or anything like that. We're just getting started on improving his fitness. We'll see where that goes."
