Swimmer Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian in history, is set to end his retirement.
The 28-year-old American, who has won 22 Olympic medals, is expected to compete
at a meet in Arizona at the end of April.
"He's just going to
test the waters a little bit and see how it goes," said long-time coach
Bob Bowman. "I wouldn't say it's a full-fledged comeback."
Phelps quit after winning his 18th Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games.
The Baltimore
Bullet also has the record for most gold medals at a single Games,
winning eight in Beijing in 2008 to eclipse the mark set by compatriot
Mark Spitz in 1972.
Michael Phelps - Career record
11 silver medals:
2 Olympic, 6 World Championship, 3 Pan Pacific
3 bronze medals:
2 Olympic, 1 World Championship
Bowman said Phelps is entered in three events - the 100 butterfly
and the 50m and 100m freestyle - during the three-day meet in Mesa that
starts on 24 April, but could also compete in the 50m butterfly "just
for fun".
Britain's Steve
Parry, who finished third to Phelps in the 200m butterfly at the Athens
Games in 2004, is surprised his former rival is making a comeback.
"I cannot believe
he has made the decision to get back in the water," said Parry. "He has
got nothing left to prove in the sport."
