Phelps sets May date for return

Multi-Olympic champion Michael Phelps will make his competitive return from a three-month ban in May at the Charlotte UltraSwim in the United States.

Phelps was suspended by governing body USA Swimming, who also withdrew financial support, following the publication of a picture apparently showing him using illegal drugs at a party at the University of South Carolina.

The ban was compounded when sponsor Kellogg announced they would not be renew their contract when it expires at the end of the month and the 23-year-old also faced possible legal punishment from a South Carolina County sheriff.

However, Charlotte UltraSwim officials announced Phelps’ participation at the event in North Carolina, confirming the 14-time Olympic champion will swim at Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center from May 14-17.

The UltraSwim will also serve as Phelps’ initial preparation for July’s FINA World Championships in Rome.

“Michael is focused on practising and regaining the mental and physical momentum that he had achieved going into the Beijing Olympics,” Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman, said in a statement.

“He is committed to a very demanding and rigorous training schedule as he prepares for upcoming meets and the FINA World Championships.”