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Michael Phelps’ comeback begins swimmingly

Michael Phelps competes in the 100-meter butterfly during the Arena Grand Prix swim meet Thursday in Mesa, Ariz.
(Matt York / Associated Press)
By David Wharton
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MESA, Ariz. — It was only a preliminary heat, but Michael Phelps looked impressive in the first step of his much-anticipated comeback at a Grand Prix meet in Arizona on Thursday.

The 22-time Olympic medalist — who had not raced since the 2012 London Games — finished with the fastest qualifying time in the men’s 100-meter butterfly.

There had been significant curiosity about Phelps’ fitness after a layoff of 1½ years. The swimmer had talked about gaining more than 30 pounds and falling out of shape during his truncated retirement.

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Phelps will race against a field that includes Ryan Lochte in Thursday night’s final.

Earlier in the meet, Katie Ledecky qualified for the final in the women’s 100-meter freestyle.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

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