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FILE - In this April 14, 2016 file photo, Michael Phelp's fiancee, Nicole Johnson, arrives to watch Phelps compete at the Arena Grand Prix swim meet, in Mesa, Ariz. Awaiting the birth of his first child, Phelps has decided to skip an Olympic prep meet in Atlanta next week. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

Phelps skipping Atlanta meet while awaiting birth of child

May 2, 2016 23:05:30

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

Organizers of Atlanta Classic say they received word from Phelps that he wouldn’t 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 fiancée, 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 are expecting a boy and plan 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.

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