Why there remains a golden chance Michael Phelps will return at Tokyo 2020

Phelps fished a fifth gold medal out of the pool on the final day of swimming at Rio 2016, combining with Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller and Nathan Adrian to set a new Games record of 3:27.95 seconds in the 4x100m medley relay.

In an Olympic Games career encompassing Sydney, Athens, Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro over a gilded 16-year period, Phelps has amassed 23 golds, three silvers and two bronze medals. He says he will be in Tokyo 2020, but only as a spectator.

"Getting off the bus and walking to the pool tonight, I pretty much felt myself starting to crack," he said as he approached his final night of Olympic competition.

"Last warm-up, last time putting on a suit, last time walking out in front of people, representing my country..it's insane. This is how I wanted to finish my career.

"I've lived a dream come true. Being able to cap it off with these Games is just the perfect way to finish.

“This is special because I’m just able to start the next chapter of my life.

"I’m retiring, but I’m not done with swimming. This is just the start of something new.”

"I don't think he'll retire," said the British swimmer James Guy after facing Phelps on the butterfly leg of the relay. "I think he wants 25 golds and he's got 23."

“I said in 2012 he’d come back, and I believe he’ll come back for Tokyo,” said his US team-mate Ryan Lochte, who has gleaned 12 medals over the past four Olympics.

“He’s found a different purpose in his life with his family, but I think he’ll come back. He wants to push the limits and see how far he can go..Team USA needs him. He’s the backbone of the team.”

Phelps was apparently cajoled into participating in these Games by his soon-to-be wife Nicole after issues away from the pool. He accepted the wisdom of her argument to enhance his legacy.

Whether or not he is the greatest Olympian of all time is a moot point because swimmers can win gold with much more regularity than say a boxer, footballer, tennis player or any athlete on the track. His name is firmly part of the conversation from what he has contributed to his sport, and that should be good enough for him.

But will his personal thirst be quenched after these Games? It is easy to forget he is only 31, and an appearance in Tokyo at the age of 35 should not prove beyond him if the desire is there. He is keen to spend time with his wife and baby Boomer who was born in May, but one suspects he would be supported if he is of a mind to return to the pool after a period of reflection and rest.

It is difficult to walk away from sport, but especially so when you are at the very summit of your chosen field. His tears last night suggested the thought of retiring does not sit easily with him.

Phelps said he was finished after London in 2012 only to return in 2016. One suspects the lure of the pool will prove too strong again for such an impressive figure, who has found it difficult to kick the winning habit. Especially so when his career is hardly on a downward spiral.