His Career Over, Phelps Looks Forward to Being Full-Time Dad

If that was the end, and Phelps insists it is, what a way to go.

As previously reported, Phelps’ teammate Ryan Lochte told Lauer last week that Phelps wasn’t ready to retire just yet. And then she was like, ‘What about 100 fly?

“It definitely was a lot more emotional than I was in 2012″, said the 31-year-old. Back when races were only timed to one-tenth of a second, not one-hundredth as they are in the pool, US speedskaters shared silver at the 1968 Winter Olympics. This time around, however, Ledecky, 19, was the one doing the signing.

And the upcoming games Phelps is likely to be playing in are more likely ones that involve Boomer Robert Phelps, the first child for the champion swimmer and fiancée Nicole Johnson; their baby was born on May 5.

In the only event Phelps didn’t win in Rio, he was beaten by a 21-year-old from Singapore, Joseph Schooling, who grew up idolizing the American star.

But, between London and Rio, Phelps emerged out of retirement to ensure that he finished his illustrious career on Saturday night with several records against his name, none of which need to be spelt out as it all remains well documented.

He wouldn’t be for long.

On the return lap, Phelps powered through the water with his windmill of a stroke, surging ahead of James Guy to pass off a lead to the anchor Adrian.

It wasn’t in doubt after that. Andre de Grasse of Canada won the bronze.

In Rio, where he took his Olympic tally to a staggering 28 medals – he also won three silvers and two bronzes – it was apparent he was not going through the motions at all. The winning time was 3:53.13. The U.S. has been leading the gold medal count since the beginning, with a total of 70 gold medals, which is partly due to Phelps.

Denmark’s Pernille Blume beat a field of world and Olympic champions to take gold in the women’s 50m freestyle and Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri won the men’s 1,500m freestyle after dominating nearly from the start. If I hadn’t had come back, I wouldn’t have know what to do with myself and would have been frustrated with myself for not giving myself a chance.

Earlier in the night, Manuel took silver in the 50 free.

It was another huge disappointment for sisters Cate and Bronte Campbell of Australia.

The gold was Denmark’s third in swimming, and the first since 1948. Four days later, Rose was standing on the top of the podium with a gold medal draped around his neck.

The night, though, belonged to Phelps. “I don’t know why”.

“Feels great. I haven’t seen my dad in a while, so it’s always great to see him and my mom”.

In the only way imaginable.