Optimum News 12 Newsday.com MSG Varsity Explore LI AM New York Optimum Autos Optimum Homes

Michael Phelps says he may be back in 2016 - as a golfer

Olympic swimming gold medalist Michael Phelps tees off

Photo credit: AP | Olympic swimming gold medalist Michael Phelps tees off during the first round of the World Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament in Haikou in southern China's island province Hainan. (Oct. 20, 2012)

RIO DE JANEIRO — Michael Phelps says the only chance he'll be competing at the 2016 Olympics would be as a golfer.

Phelps joked Tuesday during a visit to Rio de Janeiro that even though his mom, Debbie Phelps, wants him to be swimming for medals again in 2016, he'll only make it to the games if "somehow" he becomes "an amazing golfer."

That, he added, was "very unlikely" to happen "over the next three years."

He said, "I have already told her I will not be competing, so do not get her hopes up."

Golf will be returning to the Olympics in Rio after an absence of more than 100 years.

During his promotional trip, Phelps gave swimming lessons to kids at a public training center.

Be the first to rate:
0
Click to rate

advertisement | advertise on newsday

Sports videos: Today's picks

Vote

Which American track & field athlete has been the most impressive at the Olympics?

Sanya Richards-Ross Allyson Felix Carmelita Jeter Aries Merritt Jenn Suhr Brittney Reese

advertisement | advertise on newsday

Top Jobs