MESA, Ariz. -- Michael Phelps has won the 100-meter butterfly at his first meet in eight months.
The 18-time Olympic gold medallist led at the halfway mark and went on to touch first in 52.38 seconds Thursday night at the Arena Pro Swim Series meet.
His time was slower than a year ago, when he finished second to longtime rival Ryan Lochte in 52.13 at the same meet after ending an abbreviated retirement. Lochte was second this time in 53.11.
Phelps is back competing after serving a six-month suspension handed down by USA Swimming after his second drunken driving arrest.
It's his first meet since the Pan Pacific Championships in August. He was cheered on by mother Debbie and fiancee Nicole Johnson.
