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Michael Phelps is officially back

(Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

The previously-retired Olympian made his debut in a meet in Mesa, Az. on Thursday. So how’d he do? From USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Metcalfe:

Michael Phelps made a successful return to competitive swimming Thursday, leading qualifiers in the 100-meter butterfly at the Arena Grand Prix.

Phelps, 28, was fastest in preliminaries at Skyline Aquatic Center in 52.84 seconds, ahead of rival Ryan Lochte in 52.94. They will duel in the final Thursday night.

Phelps got up to the blocks quickly for the 14th and final heat of the 100 butterfly because he was so excited to race again. “I felt like a summer league swimmer,” he said. “I should have my heat and lane written on my hand in case I forget it. I didn’t want to wait any more. I wanted to get up and get this first race done.”

 Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

 Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

He wasn’t completely unbeatable though: Ryan Lochte came out ahead of Phelps in the 100m butterfly final on Thursday night.

 Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Read more about Phelps’ debut at USATODAY.com/Olympics

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