Phelps to make long-course return in Charlotte

Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps is scheduled to make his first long-course appearance of the season at the Charlotte UltraSwim meet on Friday.

The 14-times Olympic gold medallist is scheduled to compete in the 200 metres freestyle and 100 metres butterfly on Friday, the 50 metres and 100 metres backstroke on Saturday followed by the 200 individual medley on Sunday.

His toughest events could be the 50 free, which is not among his favorites, and the 100 backstroke, where he will face top backstroker Aaron Peirsol.

Olympic gold medallists Natalie Coughlin, Ryan Lochte and Rebecca Soni also are entered in the meet.

With no Olympics or world championships this year, the U.S. nationals and Pan Pacific championships in California will be their top priorities.