INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - With 14 Olympic and 17 world championship gold medals already in his possession, it is hard to imagine what Michael Phelps might have left to accomplish in a pool.
But the 24-year-old has arrived in Rome for the world championships, which start on Sunday, with unfinished business.
What that business might be, Phelps has refused to say.
Not even Phelps's mother is privy to the information that is written on a piece of paper and sealed in an envelope, the contents known only to her son and long-time coach Bob Bowman.
"When I retire I want to be able to look back at my career and say I did everything I wanted to do," Phelps said at the recent U.S. world trials.
"I still have times I want to hit, I still have other personal goals I want to achieve before I quit the sport. I've been writing my goals on a piece of paper and mailing them to Bob for 13 years now.
"It's something I do at the beginning of the season and Bob helps me get to where I want to go. I'm not going to say any specifics, that is between Bob and I. We're the only ones who know, my mom doesn't even know."
Some details, however, are sure to be revealed in Rome where Phelps will focus on the shorter events as he continues his transition from all-rounder to sprinter.
At the 2007 worlds in Melbourne, Phelps bagged seven golds but he has set himself much more modest objectives in Rome where he will swim in just three individual events -- the 200m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 200m butterfly.
If there were rumors Phelps lacked motivation following his record eight gold medals at last year's Beijing Games, he erased them in spectacular fashion at the U.S. Nationals by demolishing Ian Crocker's 100 butterfly world record.
SMOKING MARIJUANA
His display in Indianapolis also confirmed he was back to full fitness after a six month layoff following Beijing that included a three-month suspension from USA Swimming when he was photographed inhaling from a pipe used for smoking marijuana.
During his time away Phelps packed on nearly seven kilograms and contemplated retirement but after time to reflect, he has targeted more gold and glory at the 2012 London Olympics.
Certainly the longest layoff of Phelps's career did nothing to dull his competitive edge or popularity. After the initial uproar over the marijuana, all seems forgiven.
In recent months Phelps has even welcomed new sponsors to his bulging portfolio.
"To be back in the water after about six months and swim a best time it shows anything can happen if you put your mind to it." he added.
Phelps is not the only American likely to make waves in Rome.
Aaron Peirsol smashed the 100m and 200m backstroke world records in Indianapolis, easily beating compatriot and Olympic champion Ryan Lochte in the 200 final.
Dara Torres, winner of three silvers in Beijing, will also be hunting 50m freestyle glory at the age of 42.
Source
But the 24-year-old has arrived in Rome for the world championships, which start on Sunday, with unfinished business.
What that business might be, Phelps has refused to say.
Not even Phelps's mother is privy to the information that is written on a piece of paper and sealed in an envelope, the contents known only to her son and long-time coach Bob Bowman.
"When I retire I want to be able to look back at my career and say I did everything I wanted to do," Phelps said at the recent U.S. world trials.
"I still have times I want to hit, I still have other personal goals I want to achieve before I quit the sport. I've been writing my goals on a piece of paper and mailing them to Bob for 13 years now.
"It's something I do at the beginning of the season and Bob helps me get to where I want to go. I'm not going to say any specifics, that is between Bob and I. We're the only ones who know, my mom doesn't even know."
Some details, however, are sure to be revealed in Rome where Phelps will focus on the shorter events as he continues his transition from all-rounder to sprinter.
At the 2007 worlds in Melbourne, Phelps bagged seven golds but he has set himself much more modest objectives in Rome where he will swim in just three individual events -- the 200m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 200m butterfly.
If there were rumors Phelps lacked motivation following his record eight gold medals at last year's Beijing Games, he erased them in spectacular fashion at the U.S. Nationals by demolishing Ian Crocker's 100 butterfly world record.
SMOKING MARIJUANA
His display in Indianapolis also confirmed he was back to full fitness after a six month layoff following Beijing that included a three-month suspension from USA Swimming when he was photographed inhaling from a pipe used for smoking marijuana.
During his time away Phelps packed on nearly seven kilograms and contemplated retirement but after time to reflect, he has targeted more gold and glory at the 2012 London Olympics.
Certainly the longest layoff of Phelps's career did nothing to dull his competitive edge or popularity. After the initial uproar over the marijuana, all seems forgiven.
In recent months Phelps has even welcomed new sponsors to his bulging portfolio.
"To be back in the water after about six months and swim a best time it shows anything can happen if you put your mind to it." he added.
Phelps is not the only American likely to make waves in Rome.
Aaron Peirsol smashed the 100m and 200m backstroke world records in Indianapolis, easily beating compatriot and Olympic champion Ryan Lochte in the 200 final.
Dara Torres, winner of three silvers in Beijing, will also be hunting 50m freestyle glory at the age of 42.
Source
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