Photo Courtesy: Griffin Scott
CHARTRES – Michael Phelps has chosen France as the location for his first big meet after completing his six-month competition ban for a DUI arrest.
The French sports newspaper L’Equipe reports that the FINA World Cup meet in Chartres, set for August 15-16, will feature the 22-time Olympic gold medalist. Though Phelps’ ban ends in March, his camp has not announced if the Chartres meet will be his first competition of 2015, or if it will be one of many. In addition to his six-month suspension, Phelps withdrew from next summer’s world championships, meaning he would have to search for an elite-level meet to race in August, around the same time as worlds. The Chartres meet will be held in short course meters, according to L’Equipe, and will mark France’s return to hosting a World Cup meet after many years away.
Phelps could still make his official return to competition in the United States, and might race in long course domestically as well. He marked his comeback earlier this year at the Arena Grand Prix in Mesa, Ariz., which led to gold medals at nationals and the Pan Pacific championships. Phelps also swam in the Santa Clara Grand Prix before taking on the championship season last summer.
Phelps has competed at several World Cup meets in his career, but has never put a very high focus on them, losing world records and major races to other top swimmers. Perhaps Chartres will feature Phelps in top form for a run at several short course records.
Looking forward to this meet & hope one day I could compete in the same pool with Michael Phelps.
Ah, that would be a huge huge honor for me. He’s my Hero! Love him.