RIO DE JANEIRO — Michael Phelps’ swimming career may be over, but the 23-time Olympic champion says he is ready to move on to a new job at the pool: lifeguard.
“It’s just a natural progression,” said Phelps after swimming his last race in the Olympics on Saturday night. “A lot of friends I knew on the swim team in high school became lifeguards, mostly in Ocean City, Maryland. So it just makes sense for me to give that a try. I don’t think I’m really qualified to do anything else.”
Phelps said he feels he is comfortable financially in retirement thanks to his winnings and endorsements, but feels better having a part-time job to help make ends meet.