Michael Phelps Takes Plunge, Gets Engaged
BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) --Eighteen-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is back in the news, but this time -- it's positive news. Phelps is getting married.
Mary Bubala has more.
Phelps is taking the ultimate plunge!
He announced his engagement to girlfriend Nicole Johnson on Twitter Sunday morning. "She said yes," Phelps posted -- next to a photo of the couple in the snow.
On Instagram, Nicole Johnson posted, "I'm going to be a Mrs." and she tweeted. "I'm cloud 9 and so ecstatic to become part of the incredible Phelps women."
Phelps' former Olympic teammate Allison Schmitt posted another photo on Instagram of the three of them together and that big engagement ring.
So who is the future Mrs. Phelps?
Johnson is the 2010 Miss California USA. She dated Phelps on and off for the past few years.
A photo show them at a Ravens game this fall.
When people first saw the engagement photo on social media many thought it happened here in Maryland fresh snow, but no -- that's Colorado snow you're looking at.
Johnson posted a photo on Instagram with the caption "Celebratory brunch at the Broadmoor.
That's a five-star resort in Coloardo Springs, Co. USA Swimming's headquarters is also located there.
Phelps sister, Hilary, wrote on Facebook, "CONGRATULATIONS to these two lovebirds on their engagement! Couldn't be happier for my brother and thrilled to gain a sister, who I adore and love already!"
The engagement comes as Phelps is finishing a six-month suspension from USA Swimming for his second drunken-driving arrest. The suspension ends March 6 and Phelps is expected to return to competition at Mesa, Arizona, in April.
After his Sept. 30 arrest, the 29-year-old Phelps underwent 45 days of inpatient treatment in Arizona. He continued his therapy in Maryland and enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous, according to his attorney.
Phelps pled guilty to the DUI charge in December and was placed on probation by a judge who warned, "If you haven't gotten the message by now, or forget the message, the only option is jail."
Phelps retired from competition after the 2012 London Olympics, saying he had no desire to keep swimming into his 30s and had accomplished all his goals. He won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games and, with 18 golds and 22 medals overall, is by far the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.
But Phelps resumed training in 2013 and began competing again last April in Mesa. He won three golds and two silvers at the Pan Pacific championships in Australia, his first major international meet since London, and was named male athlete of the year by USA Swimming despite his suspension.
Phelps is also banned from this summer's world championships in Russia, the biggest meet heading into the 2016 Olympics, but is pressing forward with plans to compete at the Rio Games.
Now, he's got another important item on his agenda.
No word on whether Phelps and Johnson have set a wedding date.
(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
