Here’s How Michael Phelps Spent His First Day of Retirement

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 29: Michael Phelps qualified for his record setting fifth Olympic games with his win in the 200m butterfly final during U.S. Olympic swim trials on June 29, 2016 in Omaha, NE. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images)OMAHA, NE - JUNE 29: Michael Phelps qualified for his record setting fifth Olympic games with his win in the 200m butterfly final during U.S. Olympic swim trials on June 29, 2016 in Omaha, NE. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images)

As a retiree, Phelps will still maintain a busy schedule as he intends to continue to build a family with Johnson, travel, and work to diminish the drowning rate globally. According to WHO, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide.

“This is the part of my life where I get to start this whole new chapter,” he said.

And for those—Ryan Lochte included—who doubt Phelps will stay retired, Phelps is certain that he will not participate in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

“I'll be there watching, cheering everybody on,” he said. “But I will not be in the pool competing.”