U.S. swimming prodigy Michael Phelps will make his first competitive appearance at the 25th annual Charlotte Ultra Swim meeting from May 14-17 following his three-month suspension, organizers said on Tuesday.

Phelps, who won an unprecedented eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, was banned earlier this month by USA Swimming amid controversy over a photograph published in a British newspaper purportedly showing him smoking marijuana.

"Michael is focused on practicing and regaining the mental and physical momentum he achieved going into the Beijing Olympics," his coach Bob Bowman said in a statement.

"He is committed to a very demanding and rigorous training schedule as he prepares for upcoming meets and the FINA world championships (in Rome from July 18-Aug. 2)."

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 25, 2009)