Phelps is at peace with himself as he brings curtain down on his phenomenal career
The greatest swimmer in Olympic history is happy that he made the most indelible mark in the pool – this is the last time you’ll see me racing, he says
When it comes to relishing life’s golden moments, swimmer Michael Phelps would have had his fair share. And it seems that he wants every single moment of being an active Olympian, no matter how small, to sink in as it happens.
He was even keen to relish his final press conference at the Olympics and wanted the media to absorb the significance of the occasion, too.
“You guys won’t see me in one of these for a long time. See you later,” he said with a wave, more to himself than to the dozens of journalists from around the world who gathered to hear the farewell comments from arguably the greatest Olympic athlete of all time.
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With that he left, within seconds going from swimmer to ex-swimmer; from Olympic athlete to former Olympian. Sixteen years, 28 medals – 23 of them gold, of which five came in Rio – and at peace with himself.