"This is probably more intense than actual Olympics" - Michael Phelps amazed by U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials inside Lucas Oil Field Stadium

Michael Phelps shared that competing in the Trials is more intense and adrenaline-filled than the Olympic finals. The greatest Olympian of all time also announced that he would make an appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday to watch the swimmers in action.

Michael Phelps was the runner-up in the 200m butterfly at the 2000 US Olympic Swim Trials, which earned him a spot at his debut Olympics. Since then, he has broken several records and ran the fastest times at every Olympic Trials till the 2016 Rio Summer Games.

Phelps retired in 2016, but his Olympic memories are still fresh. The 23-time Olympic gold medalist returned as a spectator and a commentator for NBC at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the first Summer Games since his retirement.

Much to the surprise, Michael Phelps recently announced that he will be present at the 2024 US Olympic Swim Trials. In a live video call session with the Pet McAfee Show, he talked about how the intensity of the Trials is more than the actual Games.

"This is probably more intense than the actual Olympics. To be able to compete in the trials where you have 2,000-2,500 swimmers… You’re competing for 52 spots! It’s pretty intense, bro," Phelps said.

Phelps said that swimmers going into contention with 2000-2500 others, vying for 52 spots, is more stressful than competing in a filtered line-up in the Olympic finals. He also expressed excitement over the 'veterans', Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, and Ryan Murphy, and the 'studs' being on the same Olympic run.

He announced his anticipated appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium, saying:

"I’m coming in. I’ll be there on Friday."

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Michael Phelps in awe of the Lucas Oil Stadium football arena turning into a swimming pool

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The Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL Colts, was transformed into a record-setting pool to host the 2024 US Olympic Swim Trials. Three temporary pools, two 50m pools, and one 25m pool were installed over the stadium.

This initiative particularly caught the attention of the swimming legend Michael Phelps. He was in awe of the biggest venue the swimming world had ever seen.

"Look, to be able to have the Olympic trials inside a football arena? Are you kidding me? It’s the biggest venue we’ve ever had in the sport," Phelps said in a live session with Pat McAfee.

Phelps will be at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the hospitality ambassador for the Summer Games. He will join gymnast Aly Raisman in the ambassadorship.