(24 Apr 2014) A giddy Michael Phelps qualified fastest for the 100-meter butterfly final Thursday in his first competition since retiring after the 2012 London Olympics.
The 28-year-old swimmer was second at the turn and came on down the stretch to win his heat in 52.84 seconds at the Arena Grand Prix, easily advancing to the evening final.
Friend and rival Ryan Lochte was second-quickest, winning his heat in 52.94. Joining them in the eight-man final will be Olympian Jason Dunford of Kenya and two-time Olympian Albert Subirats of Venezuela.
Phelps walked on deck wearing his usual ear buds, but his smile replaced the serious look he always wore during the height of his career.
"I was just so excited to just get in the race," he said. "You're going to hear this word come out of my mouth a lot - it was fun."
The 22-time Olympic medalist was greeted with loud cheers from the packed stands.
"This is the sport I've known my whole entire life and loved my whole life. When I heard the roar in the stands, it's amazing," Phelps said about his reception.
The three-day meet sold out every session the day his comeback was announced last week, with a capacity of 1,200 at Skyline Aquatic Center. A pair of $40 all-session tickets was being advertised online for $250. USA Swimming issued 100 media credentials - five times more than usual.
Phelps is the world and American record holder in the 100 fly, with a time of 49.82 set in 2009. He became the first man to win the same event at three consecutive Olympics when he won in London with a time of 51.21, his last competitive time in the event before Thursday.
Phelps' time was easily good enough to surpass the qualifying standard of 54.79 for the U.S. national championships in August. That meet will decide the team for next year's world championships.
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