Michael Phelps, the 22-time Olympic medalist, is expected to race in the Arena Grand Prix in Mesa, Ariz., towards the end of April.

Michael Phelps Out Of Retirement

Phelps, 28, has not competed in a meet since the London 2012 Olympics, and had effectively retired from competing with US Swimming. His coach, Bob Bowman, is now saying that the star swimmer has made the decision to reverse his decision to retire and will hit the lanes shortly.

"As of today, I definitely expect him to swim," Bowman told USA Today Sports of the April 24-26 meet. "We're looking forward to it. I think it'll be great for the sport to have Michael compete again. We really don't have any expectations for what might happen. We just want to have some fun with it and see how it goes."

Phelps is currently scheduled to compete in both the 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle event. He’s also contemplating giving the 50-meter free and 50-meter butterfly a shot. "After [the Grand Prix], we can decide what he wants to do next,” said Bowman.

For those following Phelps over the last several months, it should come as little surprise that he’s getting back to competing. Over the last year, he rejoined the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s drug testing pool and has been training extensively. In March, Phelps had officially regained eligibility for competition.

As of yet, it’s unknown whether or not Phelps intends to strive for an appearance at what would be his fifth Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero in 2016.

– Chelsea Regan

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