Another day out of the pool, another dagger in the Michael Phelps comeback talk.
The Olympic swimming champion made his strongest denial yet to the Baltimore Sun on Saturday that he is through with competitive swimming.
"Man, people will believe anything that's written, anything that's on TV," Phelps told the newspaper. "There's nothing in the works with me coming back to swimming. This is a part of my life I'm enjoying. I've never had freedom like this. I live on my own time. I play golf three or four times a week. I wake up whenever I want. I have a few things to do here and there, but mostly my time is mine. I'm not thinking about changing that."
Rumors of his return began last month, and rival Ryan Lochte publicly stated that he thought Phelps' return to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro was eminent.
Phelps, who turns 28 on Sunday, added to the speculation himself recently when he posted a photo of himself with coach Bob Bowman at a pool. Bowman appeared to be coaching Phelps before Phelps was to dive in the water.
The world's most decorated swimmer, who holds Olympic records with 22 total medals and 18 gold, also did not quell the speculation with an outright denial.
Phelps never said he's never swimming competitively again, but he did tell the Sun that he doesn't feel the desire to train to the level of an Olympian.
"That's all I did for so many years," he said. "This life is new to me. I'm enjoying it."
Bowman, has also repeatedly dismissed rumors of a return, acknowledging that Phelps struggled to dedicate himself to training for the London Games as he yearned to experience life away from the pool.
"I just don't think getting back into it and training at that level is what he wants from his life anymore," Bowman said. "He has so many other interests."
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