When USA Swimming suspended Michael Phelps for six months after he picked up his second drunk-driving charge in 10 years, it also announced that the 18-time Olympic gold medalist would be prohibited from competing at this year’s world championships in Russia. But now, according to ESPN.com, the organization may be reconsidering its stance.
[Phelps gets engaged to longtime girlfriend ]
Here’s Bonnie D. Ford and Wayne Drehs:
USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus told ESPN.com on Tuesday that he and Phelps have had informal, preliminary conversations about a possible reinstatement.
“It’s complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen,” Wielgus said Tuesday. “There’s a pathway for things to be reconsidered — or considered.”
Wielgus added any decision on a reinstatement proposal would not be up to him but instead would be reviewed by national team director Frank Busch and the USA Swimming executive committee.
USA Swimming spokesman Scott Leightman added, “At this point, it’s premature to discuss any specifics about next steps.”
Phelps’s six-month suspension ends April 6, and he plans to return to competition at a mid-April meet in Arizona. Before his suspension, he had qualified for three individual events at the world championships and likely could be added to a relay team by the U.S. coaches, which would be fine with at least one of his teammates:
Tyler Clary, who had qualified for the team in several events, agreed to add the 200 individual medley to his program after Phelps was dropped from the worlds team. Clary told ESPN.com on Tuesday he would have “no problem” giving up his 200 IM spot if Phelps were to be reinstated to the team. He said he made his feelings clear to both Phelps and the national team staff earlier this year.
“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.
The world championships, to take place from July 24 to Aug. 9 in Kazan, Russia, are the last major international event before the 2016 Rio Olympics, in which Phelps has said he would like to compete. Per ESPN, participation in the world championships is not mandatory for an Olympic berth, as the U.S. team will be selected at the Olympic trials next year.
After spending the first 17 years of his Post career writing and editing, Matt and the printed paper had an amicable divorce in 2014. He's now blogging and editing for the Early Lead and the Post's other Web-based products.
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