ANN ARBOR, Michigan, October 23. SWIMMINGWORLDMAGAZINE.com has confirmed that Michael Phelps suffered an injury to his right wrist over the weekend during a freak accident. Bob Bowman, Phelps' coach, indicated in a telephone conversation with SwimmingWorldMagazine.com that Phelps has a slight crack to a bone in his wrist, incurred over the weekend when Phelps stumbled getting out of a car.
However, Phelps' injury is not considered to be serious and shouldn't impact his preparation for next year's Olympic Games in Beijing. Phelps, who won seven gold medals at the World Championships in Melbourne earlier this year, is expected to make a run at eight gold medals in China, perhaps more. In Athens in 2004, Phelps won six gold and two bronze medals.
"It could have healed on its own," said Bowman, who first mentored Phelps at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. "With Michael, we took the extra step of having a procedure done to strengthen the bone. I don't expect this to have any major effect on his training."
After suffering the injury, Phelps continued with some dryland work and made an appearance in New York City. But, with swelling in his wrist, it was decided that he'd undergo an MRI, at which point a small crack was discovered. Phelps is the world-record holder in the 200 freestyle, 200 butterfly and the 200 and 400 IM events.