Michael Phelps: Brittny Gastineau and 10 Ways He'll Miss 2012 Olympics
American swimmer Michael Phelps has already left his mark as one of the greatest swimmers ever.
His status as one of America's legendary Olympians is also intact, but that hasn't stopped him from turning his focus to the 2012 Summer Olympics.
"Being able to end your career on a great note is something every athlete wants," Phelps told the Los Angeles Times.
"A lot of athletes have tried to come back and tried to come back and tried to come back. If I didn't think I was going to be able to finish on a good note, I never would've come back after Beijing. I would've just called it quits. But I had confidence in myself that I could put together four more good years to really put a stamp on my career."
To end a brilliant career on a high note would be incredible, and deserving, for Phelps. But will he actually make it to that point? Maybe not.
Here are 10 reasons Phelps could miss out on the 2012 Olympics.
10. Boneheaded Choices
1 of 10
Is anyone shocked anymore when an athlete's on the news for problems with the law?
It's commonplace. In 2004, Phelps created plenty of headlines when he was arrested for driving under the influence. Phelps came out immediately and apologized, and admitted he made a mistake. He was at the center of more controversy early last year when a photo was published of Phelps allegedly smoking pot from a bong.
He lost an endorsement deal to Kellogg's and was suspended for three months by USA Swimming.
9. The Unexpected
2 of 10
There is always the chance that Phelps—like any athlete—could suffer a freakish injury at the worst possible time.
And there could come a qualifying meet where he faces a young, promising swimmer who pulls off a shocking upset and beats Phelps. Will it happen? Who knows. Is it possible? Sure. Every athlete has off days, and in swimming, a fingertip or one late push could make all the difference.
8. He'll Pull a Jordan
3 of 10
Michael Jordan stepped away from basketball and attempted to play baseball.
Does Phelps want to pick up a bat?
No. But he has picked up the clubs. Phelps has taken up golf, and recently shot 115 on an outing with friends. He also was among the participants in last month's Mission Hill Star Trophy Celebrity Golf Tournament in China.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
7. His Foundation
4 of 10
It's great when athletes find positive ways to give back and contribute to younger kids, but it can also get time consuming too.
The Michael Phelps Foundation was formed following the 2008 Beijing Olympics and seeks to help promote swimming and encourage kids to have healthy lives. As part of the opening, Phelps went on an eight-city tour around the country, sharing about his swimming success at various Boys & Girls Clubs.
Certainly you wish the foundation all the best, but will he be able to manage his time and not get pulled in every which direction because of commitments to it?
6. Continued Withdrawals
5 of 10
Phelps has already been scratched from three events this year.
The latest came last week when he withdrew from the Minnesota Grand Prix the day before it kicked off. He now hasn't competed since August.
Will this pattern continue, or will Phelps lock down and go back to his training regime he's accustomed to? There's still plenty of time. Maybe it's much needed time off, or who knows, maybe there are other things keeping him from the pool.
5. Business Interests
6 of 10
When athletes master their sport and have no equal, they'll often turn to the business world and seek new challenges there.
Many athletes have done quite well, too, including golfers Greg Norman (clothing, wine, golf course design) and Jack Nicklaus (golf course design) and skateboarder Tony Hawk. Tennis players Venus and Serena Williams have also branched out in the fashion industry, and boxer Oscar De La Hoya has numerous ventures, including his successful boxing promotion company.
Phelps joined forces this month with Master Spas, an Indiana-based company, and is helping develop a new line of swimming spas that can be used year round. They can be purchased for personal use, or also used by fitness centers and physical therapy centers.
4. Suit Issues
7 of 10
After swimmers began breaking world records in old swimming suits, Phelps and others are now having to adjust to the new mandatory swimming suits. The news suits cover just from the waist to above the knee, a change from the old suits, which could cover the whole leg. Now, this will place additional pressure on swimmers being in even better shape.
3. The Constant Grind
8 of 10
Sure, Phelps has expressed his desire to finish his career on a high note, but that will be mean going back to the grind of grueling practices and his 12,000-calorie a day diet that gained so much news in 2008. Maybe the results will be the same once again, but maybe there may come a day when he wakes up and says, "Enough. No more."
2. His Personal Life
9 of 10
News has surfaced that Phelps recently began dating reality TV star Brittny Gastineau (pictured), the daughter of former NFL player Mark Gastineau.
You can't fault Phelps at all, but relationships take time and effort. And when you factor in reality TV, chances are that means more premieres and parties to attend.
1. What's Left to Prove?
10 of 10
Does anyone dispute Phelps' place in Olympic history, and among swimmers? Of course not.
He's broken record after record, collected gold medals like kids collecting Silly Bandz bracelets and has already become one of this country's beloved athletes.
There's absolutely no need to go compete again. But if he does, it will be a farewell tour that anyone could appreciate.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
