Michael Phelps is getting set for his first Olympics as a father, but he couldn't help addressing how a lot of people want no part of the Rio Games.
With growing fears over the Zika virus, many athletes have opted not to partake in the Summer Olympic Games this year due to concerns. Phelps plans to be a participant in the Olympics as he competes there for the first time since his wife Nicole gave birth to his son, Boomer Robert, in May.
''Nobody wants to go,'' Phelps said via The Score about the Games. ''But hopefully I get to go soon.''
Phelps is looking to reach the Olympics for the fifth time in history. He's the most highly-decorated athlete in history, having won 22 medals -- 18 of which are gold.
The swimmer is also an avid golfer and Jason Day is one of the athletes who backed out of going to Rio de Janeiro, where golf will make its return to the Summer Games, over fears of the virus.
"It is with deep regret I announce that I will not be competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games this coming August in Rio de Janeiro," Day said in a statement via The Guardian. "The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife's future pregnancies and to future members of our family."
While Day has backed out, Phelps appears to be well on his way.
After being sidelined for two days, Phelps reached the semifinals of the 200-meter butterfly at the U.S. swimming trials Tuesday, with his 1 minute, 56.68 seconds being the fastest time in the preliminaries.
''That was the most annoying part, I think. Having to wait this long,'' Phelps said about his setbacks. ''But I'm happy to get the first one underway and just keep going from there.''
Now that his son has entered the world, Phelps will look to add to his already large collection of gold medals at the Summer Games.
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