ATLANTA: Awaiting the birth of his first child, Michael Phelps has decided to skip an Olympic prep meet in Atlanta next week.

Organisers of Atlanta Classic say they received word from Phelps that he would not be competing. The meet is set for May 13-15 at Georgia Tech’s aquatic centre, site of the 1996 Olympic swimming competition.

Phelps’ pregnant fiance, Nicole Johnson, posted a photo over the weekend on Instagram that said, “Can’t believe I’m 36 weeks today. Baby P will be here in no time!!”

The couple is expecting a boy and plans to get married after the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Olympic gold medallists Katie Ledecky and Nathan Adrian are among those still intending to compete in Atlanta.

Phelps, who has won a record 18 gold medals, now plans to swim at the Austin Elite Invite from June 3-5, his final meet before the Olympic trials begin in late June.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2016