Olympic veteran more ‘relaxed’

Acknowledges personal change

Michael Phelps admits he wasn’t always the easiest to get along with around the Olympic pool, both with his competitors and his teammates.

Driven to succeed and oblivious to obstacles in his way, it was that single-minded approach that in part helped create the mindset to become the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.

So does the fact that Phelps was named a co-captain of the U.S. swim team for this, his fifth Olympics, suggest a shift in his personality? Perhaps it does.

“I’m more relaxed in my own skin than I’ve ever been,” Phelps said. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and it’s showing in my performance. The difference I feel is insane — healthier, more energetic.”

With little left to accomplish other than to add to his already hefty Olympic legacy, Phelps clearly has a broader focus heading to Rio. His infant son, Boomer, and his wife-to-be, Nicole, will be at the Olympics Aquatics Stadium to see him compete in a possible six events.

So will his mother Debbie and his father Fred, who has had an estranged relationship with his son throughout his career. In the buildup to August — and especially at the U.S. Trials earlier this month — veteran Phelps observers have noticed a difference in the mercurial swimmer.

“After Rio’s over, I want to be able to look back and say I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do,” Phelps said. “Medals and all that stuff aside, as long as I can hang my suit up and say I’m happy, that’s all I care about.

“I’ve chosen to sacrifice the best I could be. I set out 15 years ago to do something that nobody else has ever done before in this sport or Olympic history. With hard work and dedication, I’ve been able to do that.”