Phelps To Return From Ban In May

Phelps was banned over a photograph published in a British newspaper purportedly showing him smoking marijuana.

Record-breaking Olympic champion Michael Phelps will return from his three-month suspension at the 25th annual Charlotte UltraSwim meeting from May 14-17, organisers said on Tuesday.

The American, who captured eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, was banned earlier this month by USA Swimming amid controversy over a photograph published in a British newspaper purportedly showing him smoking marijuana.

"Michael is focused on practising and regaining the mental and physical momentum he achieved going into the Beijing Olympics," his coach Bob Bowman said in a statement.

"He is committed to a very demanding and rigorous training schedule as he prepares for upcoming meets and the FINA world championships (in Rome from July 18-Aug. 2)."