Olympic superstar Michael Phelps cruised out of retirement on Thursday, clocking the top qualifying time in the 100m butterfly at the Mesa Grand Prix, his first race in 20 months.
As so often in a storied career that included 22 Olympic medals -- 18 of them gold -- Phelps made it look easy, powering to a comfortable win in the final heat in 52.84sec to launch a comeback that could take him to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
But Phelps said his first race since the London Olympics brought on a rush of emotions he hadn't felt since his age-group days.
"I felt like a summer league swimmer today," Phelps said. "I felt like I should have my heat and lane number written on my hand in case I forget it."
Ryan Lochte, swimming in the heat ahead of Phelps, clocked the morning's second-fastest time of 52.94, which means the longtime friends and rivals -- known for their individual medley battles -- will go head-to-head in Thursday night's final.
"We love racing each other," Phelps said. "Obviously, neither one of us wants each other to win, that's the best thing about it."
Phelps and Lochte had a friendly exchange behind the blocks -- made possible in part by Phelps's early arrival for his race.
"I was so excited to swim," said Phelps, who said he was a little surprised that he produced a well-controlled race. "It was fun to get the first race out of the way."
- 'It's amazing' -
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"Fun" is the theme so far of Phelps's comeback, with the 28-year-old saying he's enjoying every relaxed minute.
A cheer went up and cellphone cameras clicked as Phelps mounted the starting block. He delivered his trademark armswing prior to the start and then he was off.
"When you hear the roar of the stands, it's amazing," said Phelps, who just couldn't keep his familiar pre-race scowl in place.
"That's part of the reason I was smiling before I stepped up on the blocks," he said.
