Michael Phelps : I'm not going four more years
American swimmer and 22-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps on Saturday reiterated his decision to call it a day after the Games in Rio. But many including his teammate Ryan Lochte think that he might return to compete at Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Michael Phelps, the 22-time Olympic gold medallist, had quit after the London Games in 2012, only to reverse the decision in 2014. Phelps participated in his first Olympics in 2000 at Sydney, and has won 27 Olympic medals in total, nine more than his closest rival.
Speaking to the media after finishing second behind Joseph Schooling in the men’s 100m butterfly, Phelps said, “I'm not going four more years and I'm standing by that. I've been able to do everything I've ever put my mind to in the sport,” reported BBC.
Despite settling for a Silver medal, Phelps looked satisfied with his last individual race.
“I'm happy with how things finished.” Congratulating the winner Joseph Schooling, the American quoted, “Joe is a good swimmer. He was the most prepared swimmer in the field tonight.”.
Despite the announcement, Phelps’ teammate and rival Ryan Lochte believes that Phelps could be at the Tokyo Olympics come 2020.
“I guarantee he will be there,'' Lochte told NBC. "I think so. I really think so. So Michael, I'll see you in Tokyo," he told.