Bolt and Phelps return to action in unfamiliar surroundings

IT'S going to be a funny weekend for the two biggest stars of last year's Beijing Olympics.

HE'S BACK: After a three-month suspension, Michael Phelps returns to the pool this weekend with Rome's World Championships in his sights (Getty Images)

Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps have both had what might best be described as some ‘re-entry problems' as they have come down to earth following last year's heroics.

Phelps got some very bad press and lost some of his blue-chip sponsors after he was handed three-month suspension, following the publication of a picture apparently showing the multi-Olympic champion using illegal drugs.

Bolt has also struggled under the gaze of publicity and increased scrutiny.

First he was forced to apologise to fellow Jamaicans for claiming that use of marijuana was part of their culture.

And then he wrote off his BMW - a gift from sponsors Puma for his performances at the Bird's Nest.

But this weekend it's back to reality.

Both will be back in action as they start their respective campaigns for this summer's world swimming and athletics championships in Rome and Berlin.

Bolt will swap for the Bird's Nest for a city centre street race in Manchester - racing over 150m.

And Phelps, back from his suspension, competes in the Charlotte Ultraswim in North Carolina - a very far cry from the Water Cube.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen," said Phelps, in an interview with the Baltimore Sun.

"But I'm really excited just to have the opportunity to race.

"I haven't had that opportunity until now, and that's the one thing I love about swimming is the racing aspect of it.

"Whatever happens, happens. We'll go back to the drawing board from there."