Michael Phelps: Latest Details, Comments on Possible USA Swimming Reinstatement

Michael Phelps was stripped of a vital part of his comeback when USA Swimming decided to ban him from the 2015 world championships, but it turns out the 29-year-old superstar could potentially be part of the festivities in July and August after all.

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World Championships Reinstatement Possible for Phelps

Wednesday, March 4

After getting arrested for driving under the influence, the 22-time Olympic medalist was suspended for six months by USA Swimming, but perhaps most importantly, he was told that he would not be part of the world championships roster despite it reaching beyond his suspension.

With Phelps' suspension reaching its latter stages, Bonnie D. Ford and Wayne Drehs of ESPN.com reported consideration is being given to rescind the world championships ban from Phelps' punishment.

USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus didn't make any promises, but he certainly seemed to leave the door open, per Ford and Drehs.

"It's complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen," Wielgus said. "There's a pathway for things to be reconsidered—or considered."

One person who believes Phelps should be given a chance to compete at the worlds in Kazan, Russia, is teammate Tyler Clary, according to Ford and Drehs.

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He's vital. I don't see myself as being a competitor at his level in the 200 IM, and I don't have the same chance of getting a medal. 

USA Swimming's six-month suspension was appropriate and strong enough to convey that USA Swimming doesn't condone that kind of behavior from any of its members. Removing Michael from the world championship team, however, will have a negative effect on our team, and taking the term of his punishment into consideration, the meet falls well outside of that time frame.

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Not only would allowing Phelps to take part in the world championships help Team USA as a whole, but it would also bolster his preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics significantly.

Phelps needs to take part in some high-level competitions in order to be at the top of his game in one year, and USA Swimming undoubtedly needs his contributions as well.

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