Michael Phelps is ready to get back in the pool. The American swimming star took the stage in Los Angeles on Tuesday for the USOC Media Summit, and spoke about his preparation and excitement ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Phelps spoke about his past accomplishments and what he hopes to achieve in Brazil. Phelps has won 22 Olympic medals in his career, which is a record, and he expects to add some more this summer in Rio. The swimmer has been preparing for the games with a daily routine that includes swimming, training and working out in the gym. Phelps said that he lost some of the enjoyment of swimming and competing as he was preparing to start the 2012 London Olympics.
"I see a complete change in my body, how I am day to day," he said. "I have a completely clear head."
The 30-year-old has had ups and downs throughout the course of his career, including a bottoming out point after being arrested in 2014 for a DUI. That was the second DUI arrest for Phelps, which led to him spending 45 days in an inpatient facility for rehab. He was suspended for a time by U.S. Swimming following the arrest, but he said that the punishment had some positive effects.
Phelps said that he had the chance to take a look back on some of his past accomplishments, saying that he was "proud" of what he has achieved as a swimmer. "For the first time I was able to look back at my career and be proud of what I've done," Phelps said.
Phelps has vowed to not drink ahead of the Rio Olympics, which is something he did not do over the past two Olympic Games he competed in. Phelps said that he has not had a drink since the arrest in 2014 and that he is "productive" and is "happy every day." Phelps has won a record 22 total medals in his career, including 16 gold medals, also a record.
Phelps did not go in depth about which events he would participate in this summer, but said that he is prepared to have a full slate of competitions in Rio. At 30, Phelps is in a much different place than he was when he first competed in the Olympics. While he may still be a favorite for many of the events he participates in, there is a chance that Phelps could leave Brazil without any gold medals. Phelps said that he is happy to be part of the Olympics again and that he has perspective after the challenges he faced in the past.
"The process I went through was difficult and challenging. People ask me if I could change anything in my life would I, and I wouldn't. Everything happens for a reason and I'm thankful I'm sitting here alive today and able to grow from the experiences I've had," Phelps said.
