Swimmer Michael Phelps denies Rio 2016 return

Michael Phelps

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-RENANG INDONESIA - Bemedalled Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps denied reports that he will come out of retirement to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“It has been an amazing career and it is crazy to think that it is over,” Phelps said while accepting the Exceptional Achievement Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards last week. “But I’ve done everything that I wanted to do in sport”.

“I wanted to change swimming and take it to a level, and I have. But I will continue to be a part of sport and help grow sports. That is a goal and a passion of mine,” added Phelps.

Phelps received the Laureus award for his feat of winning a record 22 Olympic medals, the most of any athlete in any sport.

The swimmer said he looks forward to returning to Rio to attend the 2016 Summer Olympics as a spectator.

“I am having fun,” Phelps said. “I love being retired, I can’t stress it enough. I am happy, smiling, and more relaxed. It’s something that I have wanted for a long time and now I’m happy that I can make the most of it.” (gantdaily.com)