Michael Phelps Qualifies for a Record Fifth Olympic Games

After winning six medals at the London Olympic Games in 2012, swimmer Michael Phelps retired. The London Games were his fourth Olympics, and he set career Olympic records for most medals (22) which included 18 Gold Medals, also a record. There seemed to be nothing left to win, and it seemed like a good time to hang it up. After all, the Rio Games were a distant four years away, and trying to stay in world class condition for another four years was a lot to ask, and he’s be 31 years old for those games.

Well, competitors like Phelps can’t just shut off the competitive juices like a shower faucet. After stepping away for two years, Phelps returned to competitive swimming in 2014. That same year, he was arrested for driving under the influence; as a result, USA Swimming announced he would not be a member of the U.S. team at the 2015 World Aquatic Championships, and he was suspended from all competition for six months.

With that unfortunate series of events behind him, Phelps was able to compete in the 2015 U.S. Nationals, winning three championships. He won three more events at the U.S. Winter Nationals last December. There was no doubt he was back in form and would compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Swim Team.

On June 29th, one day before his 31st birthday, Phelps qualified for his fifth Olympics by winning the 200 meter butterfly. He became the first American male swimmer to qualify for five Olympic teams, joining Dana Torres as the only two swimmers to do so.

Phelps will try to qualify for the 100 meter butterfly and 200 individual medley, and could be named to relay teams in other events. The 2016 Rio Olympics open August 5th.