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Record Olympian Phelps out of retirement

Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian in history, is set to end his retirement.

Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian in history, is set to end his retirement.

The 28-year-old American swimmer, who has won 22 Olympic medals, is expected to compete at a meet in Arizona at the end of April.

"He's just going to test the waters a little bit and see how it goes," said long-time coach Bob Bowman. "I wouldn't say it's a full-fledged comeback."

Phelps quit after winning his 18th Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games.

The Baltimore Bullet also has the record for most gold medals at a single Games, winning eight in Beijing in 2008 to eclipse the mark set by compatriot Mark Spitz in 1972.

Bowman said Phelps is entered in three events - the 100 butterfly and the 50m and 100m freestyle - during the three-day meet in Mesa that starts on April 24, but could also compete in the 50m butterfly "just for fun."

Britain's Steve Parry, who finished third to Phelps in the 200m butterfly at the Athens Games in 2004, is surprised his former rival is making a comeback.

"I cannot believe he has made the decision to get back in the water," said Parry. "He has got nothing left to prove in the sport."

He added Phelps not only had to get himself back in shape physically, he also needed to recapture the hunger to win medals again.

But said: "If anyone can do it, then Michael Phelps can."

Phelps has been training with Bowman's team at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.

After winning a further four gold medals in London, Phelps insisted his career was over.

"I have achieved what I wanted to achieve," he said. "If you can say that about your career, then it's time to move forward, time to move on to other things. I finished my career how I wanted to."

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