Phelps 2016 Olympics: Lochte Says Swimmer Will Return; Will He?

USA teammate, swimmer Ryan Lochte told "The Telegraph" in 2012 that he thinks the world's winningest Olympian, Michael Phelps, would return to the pool in 2016.

"He's still young. I think he will be back for Rio [de Janeiro]."

The Brazilian city will host the games in three years.

But Phelps, who was in the future Olympic city for Laureus Sports Awards, told the press: "I'm done." NBC Sports reported that after accepting the Laureus Exceptional Achievement Award for his record medal count following the 2012 London Olympics, Phelps praised the sport, saying it will continue to be a part of his life, even if he is not competing.

"It has been an amazing career and it is crazy to think that it is over," he said at the podium. "But I've done everything that I wanted to do in sport. I wanted to change swimming and take it to a level, and I have. But I will continue to be a part of sport and help grow sports. That is a goal and a passion of mine."

The 27-year-old Baltimorean bested the lifetime medal count record, formerly held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, with 22 total medals as of 2012. Phelps said he plans to be in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 games but only in the capacity of a spectator.