Olympics

Retired Michael Phelps removes name from drug testing system

Michael Phelps told reporters Monday ahead of USA Swimming's Golden Goggle awards that he has removed himself from USA Swimming's drug testing program.

American swimmer takes another step to put an official seal on his retirement

In this Aug. 7, 2016, file photo United States swimmer Michael Phelps encourages his teammates in the final of the men's 4x100-metre freestyle relay at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (File/The Associated Press)

Michael Phelps has taken another step to put an official seal on his retirement.

Phelps told reporters Monday ahead of USA Swimming's Golden Goggle awards that he has removed himself from USA Swimming's drug testing program. Phelps ended his previous retirement after the 2012 Games by rejoining the same program.

Phelps later reiterated his retirement on stage Monday, saying, "I'm done competitive swimming, but I'm never too far away from the pool."

Phelps also touched on his secret June wedding to Nicole Johnson. Phelps says he and Johnson married in a "small little ceremony" in order to make it easier for them to travel to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with their infant son, Boomer. They had a more formal ceremony last month in Mexico.