Michael Phelps Playing Golf, But US Still Strong In Pool
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Michael Phelps is off playing golf and showing no signs of backtracking on his decision to retire from swimming.
That leaves a big hole on the U.S. team as it prepares for the world championships this summer and begins looking ahead to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
But don't think the Americans are suddenly going to be just another country at the pool. While there's certainly no replacing the winningest Olympian ever, the U.S. has plenty of top swimmers back from its London team, including Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin and Allison Schmitt.
Also, there are some top prospects on the horizon, such as teenagers Ryan Murphy, Lia Neal and Kevin Cordes.
Lochte says the U.S. has been "dominant in swimming for many, many years." He doesn't expect any change before Rio.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
