US swimmer and Olympic champion Michael Phelps speaks at a press conference as part of the ISPO sporting equipment trade show in Munich, GermanyFriday Feb. 6, 2015. In conjunction with the manufacturer Aqua Sphere, Phelps is presenting his own range of swimming equipment at the show. (AP Photo/dpa,Sven Hoppe)
Sven Hoppe US swimmer and Olympic champion Michael Phelps speaks at a press conference as part of the ISPO sporting equipment trade show in Munich, GermanyFriday Feb. 6, 2015. In conjunction with the manufacturer Aqua Sphere, Phelps is presenting his own range of swimming equipment at the show. (AP Photo/dpa,Sven Hoppe)

The big news is that swimming superstar Michael Phelps will head for the pool in April to compete in a major meet. That’s when his six-month ban from such activity – caused by his DUI arrest in 2014 --  expires. Supporters of the Olympian are excited to see him compete again.

Typical of fan comments on SwimSwam.com are these: “Hope he tears it up in Mesa. Can’t wait!!!” wrote WeLovePhelps. Also weighing was Bobo Gigi: “At least this time Michael doesn’t have 20 pounds to lose before his new comeback. Good luck, MP, and swim fast. No pressure this year.”

Several individuals expressed hopes that Phelps will go on to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Aug. 5-21. Of course, there are skeptics who question his ability to dominate those Games, considering he’s 29, but there are others who say that’s nonsense.

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian ever, won a total of 22 medals at the Games over the years –  not to mention still more at other competitions, such as the Pan Pacific Championships. It will be interesting to see what happens next. Read More