(Image source from: Michael Phelps is back in race })

Michael Phelps dived into familiar waters and swam up to the winner's podium in his comeback game at the U.S. Grand Prix in Charlotte on Friday.

Competing for second time post retirement after the 2012 London Olympics, Phelps was impressive.

In the morning heats, he contested for the two lung-sapping events - the 200 metres freestyle and 100m butterfly - and in the evening, he proved his speed by cinching the 100m butterfly final.

He also sailed to the 200m freestyle final, but left the race after achieving his goal in the heats - qualifying for this year's U.S. national championships, which double as the selection event for next year's world titles in Russia.

His finished the 200m free at one minute 51.69 seconds, which is way below his best, but 0.2 seconds inside the U.S. qualifying time.

Phelps has now qualified for the nationals in the 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle.

Both Phelps and his coach Bob Bowman have been tight-lipped about their future plans, but Bowman was indeed pleased by what he saw on Friday.

His 52.13 seconds was a tad below his best time in Phoenix, but good enough for a comeback swim, sending ominous warning to his rivals that Phelps is back and he means business.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury