Phelps says no way to 2016 Olympics

Michael Phelps was in Rio last week, but he was only there to pick up an award for past accomplishments, not set the stage for new ones.

Phelps was in Brazil to pick up the Exceptional Achievement Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards last week, and he took the time to reiterate that his remarkable swimming career was at an end.

“It has been an amazing career and it is crazy to think that it is over,” Phelps said, while accepting his award. “But I’ve done everything that I wanted to do in sport."

"I wanted to change swimming and take it to a level, and I have. But I will continue to be a part of sport and help grow sports. That is a goal and a passion of mine.”

The Laureus award was honoring his feat of winning a record 22 Olympic medals, the most of any athlete in any sport.

Phelps said he looked forward to returning to Rio to attend the 2016 Summer Olympics -- as a spectator.

"I am having fun," Phelps said during a swimming event for children. "I love being retired, I can’t stress it enough. I am happy, smiling, and more relaxed. It’s something that I have wanted for a long time and now I’m happy that I can make the most of it.”