Phelps sets sights on Rio

Michael Phelps will not compete at the World Championships but the 18-time gold medalist will attempt to add to his Olympic legacy by competing at next year's Rio Games.

Since coming out of retirement two years ago there had been widespread speculation Phelps, considered the greatest swimmer of all-time, was targeting a comeback at Rio although the 29-year-old American did not confirm that until Wednesday.

“You guys heard it here first," Phelps said in a story on the BBC website. "I am looking forward to next year. I don't think it's too hard to really realise why I came back."