Michael Phelps looking strong in preps for 2016 Olympics
SAN ANTONIO, Tex. -- Michael Phelps, once considered among the best athletes in the world -- only to fall from grace with trouble away from the pool, is reestablishing himself as the world's most dominant swimmer after a stunning performance at the Phillips 66 National Championships.
He turned in a 1:52.94 performance in the 200-meter butterfly at the San Antonio, Tex., event last week, his fastest since setting the record in 2009 at the world championships in Rome. With 22 Olympic medals, 18 gold, he is the most decorated Olympian of all time and says he is prepared for the 2016 Rio games.
"I've come a long way in the last year, and stuff like this makes me excited, makes me motivated for the year to come," he told CBS Baltimore.
Phelps was banned from competing on the U.S team at the world championships in Kazan, Russia after two drunk driving arrests, so instead he focused on the national championships, which turned out to be his biggest swim meet of the year.
Phelps has vowed not to drink at least through the Rio games and made a commitment to get in the best shape of his life, CBS Baltimore reported.
"I have some motivation-from myself and from others-and I'm just going to go and keep doing what I'm doing," Phelps said.