28 Jan 2009

Phelps admits returning to the pool was tough

5:57 am on 28 January 2009

The American swim legend Michael Phelps says his first week back training in the pool was painful and rough.

Phelps, who made Olympic history with a stunning sweep of eight gold medals at the Beijing Games, says he's determined to be back at top form for the World Championships in Rome in July.

Phelps enjoy his break since the games, but says returning to the pool wasn't the easiest week of training he's ever done.

The 23 year old says the next four years until the London Olympics in 2012 will be more relaxed than the past eight.