Michael Phelps may compete at world meet

Michael Phelps arrives with his coach Bob Bowman for his first official practice session for the Arena Grand Prix swim meet at Skyline Aquatic Center. [Photo/Agencies]

Michael Phelps possibly could swim at the world championships in July if his ban is overturned by USA Swimming.

There have been discussions about Phelps' possible participation in the world meet to be held in Russia.

However, USA Swimming spokesman Scott Leightman characterized any conversations as informal and preliminary. He says it is premature to comment about the future.

Phelps' six-month suspension as a result of his second drunken driving arrest ends April 6. He had already qualified for worlds, the biggest international meet leading up to next year's Rio Olympics.

The 18-time Olympic champion agreed he would not represent the US at the world meet as part of his suspension by USA Swimming handed down last fall. Phelps has remained in training and is expected to return to competition at a meet in Arizona next month.

Phelps' representatives have declined to discuss the matter.

The deadline for the US to submit the names on its final squad for worlds is June 15. Preliminary entries were due last Monday, with countries having to list the maximum number of competitors they intend to register in each event.