COLORADO SPRINGS – It is still somewhat of a long-shot, but USA Swimming’s Chuck Wielgus told ESPN’s Bonnie Ford today that there have been preliminary conversations with Michael Phelps about him potentially rejoining the World Championship roster.
The quotes used in the article about the 18-time Olympic medalist were pretty vague, but there is at least a glimmer of hope for the Greatest of All Time to be allowed back on the Worlds roster after voluntarily withdrawing himself from it.
“It’s complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen,” Wielgus told ESPN. “There’s a pathway for things to be reconsidered — or considered.”
While that isn’t a definitive response regarding the likelihood of Phelps coming back, Wielgus certainly revealed that USA Swimming has been looking into its bylaws as well as FINA’s bylaws in terms of a process by which Phelps could be put back on the squad. FINA likely would not turn down such a box office draw, since it’s definitely shown a proclivity to make choices that are best for television.
USA Swimming’s spokesperson Scott Leightman further put the brakes on the story with even more language designed to reduce anyone’s expectations regarding Phelps.
“At this point, it’s premature to discuss any specifics about next steps,” Leightman said.
In October, Phelps was suspended through April due to being charged with driving under the influence in Baltimore. At the time, Phelps also agreed to withdraw from the Worlds roster. Phelps has since entered rehab, kept his head down and trained, and became engaged.
Phelps is slated to return to competition at the Arena Pro Swim Series set in Mesa, April 15-18, and members of Phelps’ management team have refused to comment on Wielgus’ comments.
While Tim Phillips was added as a replacement for Phelps in the 100 fly, Phelps could find his way back on the squad via the 200 IM or 100 free. Tyler Clary was added in the 200 IM, while Ryan Lochte claimed the 100 free spot vacated by Phelps. Clary spoke with Ford stating that he would have no problem to give up his 200 IM step to put Phelps back on the roster.
“He’s vital,” Clary said. “I don’t see myself as being a competitor at his level in the 200 IM, and I don’t have the same chance of getting a medal.
Get him back on!
USS has extracted its “30 pieces of silver” from him, he’s served his penance, Chuck, now reinstate him for Kazan.
It would be a great psychological lift for the entire team not to mention Phelps himself were he competing in Kazan.
Arina, Nina, check out the last statement.
I’ll drink to that
It would be nice to see swimming organizations attract leaders with better judgement, but unfortunately the sport doesn’t seem to be evolving in that manner.
What is poor judgment? Punishing Phelps or them caving in?
It would be great if he could swim at worlds. The “withdrawal” made no sense in the first place, six month suspension + out of Worlds? What punishment is that? That’s ridiculous. Taking him out of Worlds is punishing everyone else but him, and it’s too harsh. Not long ago João Gomes Junior was punished for using diuretics with a six month suspension, and Brazil could keep the medals. Why should Michael get a harsher penalty for something he did out of the pool when someone who cheats in it can get away with it?
Because this is his third strike. Also taking diuretics did not endanger others lives like driving drunk at 84mph in a 45mph zone, weaving in and out of traffic and crossing double lines in a tunnel while doing it. It doesn’t matter that it was out of the pool, USA Swimming has a conduct policy. FINA punished Gomes, USA Swimming punished Phelps. You are comparing apples and oranges.
Why is taking Phelps out of Worlds punishing everyone else but him? it IS punishing him. That is the point.
Juliana Ferraz
OMG 😮
Didn’t in hail
come back MP a.s.a.p
Michael Phelps should swim at Worlds if he wants to. Please please please let my boy does what he love most — swimming & competing at highest levels.
I’m begging u USA swimming. TY
GAWD no!
The six month suspension that Michael Phelps got was meaningless. At worst he missed 2 Arena Pro events. He still got to train at OTC, which he did. At the Austin Arena Pro event he was on the pool deck. My understanding was the only people that are supposed to be on the pool deck are competing athletes and their coaches. At the American Short Course in Austin he swam an exhibition by himself. Again, isn’t he suspended? This was great for advertising his new Aquasphere suit, no one else to look at. That seemed to be a plus. He is not getting his stipend, big deal. That is a drop in the bucket to him. His exclusion from Worlds is really the only punishment he is really getting.
This is his second DUI in addition to the bong photo. This is not one incident, it is a pattern. He is a 29 year old man. He was driving twice the speed limit, hammered, weaving in and out of traffic, at one point pulling in front of a semi. That kind of speed comes under the heading of reckless endangerment. Everyone who defends his punishment should look at that video. If anyone wants to put the blame on the US team being punished, don’t look at US Swimming (who has the unenviable task of meting out punishment), look at the person who is really at fault, Phelps himself. He needs to finish out his punishment. My dad always said part of being an adult is taking your punishment like an adult, not trying to get out of it like a little kid.
Then what of Tim Phillips? Even if Phelps only takes Clary’s 200IM slot, that still puts Phillips in an awkward situation. If he does not medal in the 100 fly, you can bet that there will be some who will blame him for not moving aside for Phelps. That is not fair to him, he did nothing wrong. This whole thing should have never been brought up in the first place.
There are some, including Natalie Coughlin who say his punishment is based on his celebrity. So what? He is the face of US Swimming, he should be held to a higher standard. He has said on many occasions he wants to be a role model. Is being a role model not screwing up? No, but when you screw up over and over and don’t take your punishment, I would say that is not much of a role model. Sometimes, being a role model is taking the hit. This is more than just more medals at Worlds. This is about doing the right thing. This is about someone who endangered others lives by his actions and taking responsibility for it. That is more important than medals.
Believe it or not, I am a fan.