"I'm not going down that way again"- Michael Phelps rules out comeback possibilities ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

Michael Phelps has ruled out the possibility of making a comeback at the Paris Olympics 2024 as well as at home games: LA 2028. The former American swimmer did make a comeback at the 2016 Rio Olympics after announcing his retirement earlier. However, he won't go down that path again.

Phelps, widely regarded as the greatest swimmer of all time, announced his first retirement after the conclusion of the 2012 Olympics. He won four gold and two silver medals at the London Olympics before hanging his boots.

However, the 39-year-old reversed his situation in April 2014. He competed in his fifth Olympic Games in Rio 2016, adding five more gold and one silver medal to an already staggering tally. Phelps once again announced his retirement in August 2016, which he claims to be the last one.

Michael Phelps recently appeared on NBC's Meet the Press and discussed his desire to make a comeback in swimming. When asked how long it would take for him to get back into shape if he had to compete again, the American said:

"I know at my old age – I say 'old age': I’ll be 39 this year – it’ll take five years for me to really get back. You know, I think the whole process of physically and mentally preparing for an Olympic Games is challenging. So, for me to be able to give myself the best chance to be able to perform how I would want to, it would take five years."

When asked whether the return was possible since the five-year timeframe matches with the LA Olympics 2028, Phelps replied:

"I’ve done it once. I’m not doing it. I’m not going down that way again."

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Michael Phelps reveals the reason behind not making a comeback

United States Team Press Conference Day Eight - 14th FINA World Championships

Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Michael Phelps was asked about his comeback aspirations during a visit to New Delhi, India, in 2019. Denying the possibility of making a second return, he explained the reasons behind it.

Phelps explained that he had been training day in and day out during his career, and after having missed more than three years, it would be very hard for him to get back in shape. He did make a comeback once, so the second one could have been possible as well.

However, the swimming sensation claimed that he had lost his Midas touch, and wouldn't get the same feeling after jumping in the water now.

"Now when I get in, I don't have that feel of the water that I had before. I've lost it. So, no comeback, you guys," Phelps said (via ESPN)