Still stinging from 2 recent losses, Phelps returns to competition

Motivated by 2 recent losses, Phelps races again

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Michael Phelps has descended from the mountains of Colorado still stinging from two recent losses in the pool.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist feels he has something to prove, mostly to himself, and he hopes to avenge those defeats this weekend at the Santa Clara Invitational Grand Prix.

Last month, Phelps was beaten by a couple of world recordholders in the 100-meter freestyle and backstroke events at the Charlotte Grand Prix, his first meet since capturing a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games. He also won two events — the 100 butterfly and 200 free.

Phelps said Thursday after practice that losing will motivate him. He is back in serious training, having spent the last three weeks at high-altitude.