The most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps, has returned to the news again. This time, it’s for his comeback to the Indianapolis Olympic Swimming Trials rather than his record-breaking swims. Even though he won’t be playing, his presence is making waves already. Known for his intense rivalry, he is returning to take on Australia, a longstanding foe.

Phelps’s comeback to the trials overlaps with the US and Australian swim squads growing a rivalry. Australian swimmer Cate Campbell’s remarks, which appeared to rekindle his competitive spirit, caused the situation to spiral out. However, he is ready for his time in the trials as his looming role in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The 38-year-old will contribute commentary and analysis to NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. As he heads to Indianapolis to report from the US Olympic Trials, this announcement pops up. Alongside Rowdy Gaines and Dan Hicks, Phelps will share his extensive knowledge in the commentary booth.

With anticipation for Phelps’ part, Molly Solomon, Executive Producer at NBCUniversal, said, “We are excited.” Given his broad understanding of the sport and his prior experience in Tokyo 2021, Phelps’ commentary is eagerly awaited. Audiences stand to gain from his thoughts, which are hoping to bring a distinct viewpoint to the broadcast.

The swimmer’s involvement in the proceedings goes beyond his usual professional duties. His motivation for coming back is to get even with the Australian team for their taunting. It has not gone ignored that Campbell mentioned defeating the Americans in the 2023 World Championships. However, despite everything, fans are excited for Phelps’s comeback.

Fan’s happiness after Phelps’s return

As Michael Phelps headlines NBC’s Olympic broadcast crew to cover swimming at the Paris Games, people are thrilled. One fan’s fervent appreciation of this gives an overall feeling: “Great addition! You couldn’t have picked anyone more knowledgeable.” This comment shows how widely recognized Phelps’s extensive swimming knowledge developed over years of success.

Another admirer pointed out the possible advantage in a lighthearted way, stating, “Oh s*it. Australians may have just brought Michael Phelps out of retirement 😂”. This fun comment suggests that Phelps’s inclusion could stimulate combative emotions.

The swimming teams from Australia and the United States have always been rivals. At the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, nevertheless, Campbell’s remarks caused it to fly to greater depths. Campbell claims about winning because Australia fared better than the US. “Such, such sore losers,” she said, boasting about Australia’s victory over the United States. Immediately and sharply, Phelps responded to what Campbell had said.

Sarcastically replying, “I appreciate your words, Cate,” Phelps was featured in an NBC Olympics & Paralympics video. Talking about criticizing has often backfired, he declared, drawing on his personal experiences with rivals in Australia. Resilience is the key quality that Phelps highlighted to American swimmers during this time. It’s obvious what Phelps wants the American team to do: seize on the rivalry. Phelps quipped, “If you see what I just saw, I would watch that thing every single day,” implying that the US group would find fuel in Campbell’s remarks. His attendance at the trials is an ongoing reminder of the fierce mindset.

However, one fan expressed the strong expectation for Phelps’s upcoming contributions to the sport, saying, “When Michael Phelps gone pop out with his protege? It’s time for us to dominate in the water again.” Additionally, another supporter tweeted, “Big day for the swimming community,” which perfectly summed up the importance of this announcement. This captures the community’s overall enthusiasm and expectation as they grasp Phelps’s experience will add to the broadcasts. Fans will surely be stuck to their screens to observe how this iconic swimmer shapes Olympic swimming in the years leading up to Paris 2024.