Michael Phelps is back on top of the podium. The 29-year-old American, swimming in his first international meet since coming out of retirement, helped the United States win the 4x200-meter relay Friday at the Pan Pacific championships.
''Being able to get back on the podium - it feels amazing,'' Phelps said. ''It's a good first day. Good first international meet back. There's no better way to finish this, lovely, rainy night then being able to step up with your teammates and win a gold medal.''
Phelps finished fourth in his first final - the 100 free - but he later swam the second leg of the relay and watched as Matt McLean overhauled Takeshi Matsuda of Japan on the last lap.
Phelps, who retired after the London Olympics but returned to competition four months ago, was just off the podium in 48.51.
''I don't think it was terrible,'' the 18-time Olympic gold medalist said of the 100.
Phelps also took a more long-term view, saying he was ''learning all the time'' and knew what he needed to improve before the world championships next year and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Before taking the Americans right to the wire in the relay, Japan picked up two gold medals in the men's competition with Kosuke Hagino winning the 400 medley and Yasuhiro Koseki winning the 100 breaststroke in 59.62.
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