Michael Phelps may actually be retiring from swimming after he added to his collection of gold medals at the Rio Olympics, but that does not mean we won’t see him in Tokyo four years from now.
Phelps recently said he was interested in getting into broadcasting, and NBC Sports chairman Mark Lazarus told Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch that he is open to bringing Phelps on board.
“Of course we would love to talk to Michael Phelps,” Lazarus said.
Lazarus was, however, quick to praise former Olympian Rowdy Gaines and the work he has done for NBC, noting that Phelps would not be replacing Gaines.
“But let me put the big caveat on that: The guy who has been doing it the best for the longest is still our guy and that is Rowdy Gaines,” he added. “I’m not looking for you to write that we are looking to replace Rowdy Gaines because we are not. Rowdy’s knowledge is pure and his enthusiasm is infectious. He leaps through the TV screen and grabs you.”
For what it’s worth, Deitsch said he would be “stunned” if Phelps is not part of the NBC swimming coverage team in Tokyo.
One person who knows Phelps pretty well insists the 23-time gold medalist is going to be in the pool competing in 2020. Phelps said he is definitely retiring, but you never know. Either way, it sounds like he will be part of the plan in Tokyo.
