Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was seen sporting some unsightly facial hair as he lounged by the pool in Miami. The 26-year-old has decided to grow what is known as a horseshoe moustache, and he debuted the look for the first time on his South Beach break. And the facial hair combined with his untamed brown locks and purple and black striped swimming trunks left the sportsman looking less than his best.
The champion athlete is on a training trip to prepare for the 2012 Olympics in London. And while he has managed to squeeze in a spot of sunbathing, Michael has never strayed too far from a swimming pool.
The gold medalist may have been trying out a new look following his rumoured break-up with former Miss California USA Nicole Johnson, 26. The longtime couple fuelled allegations of a split when they spent New Year's Eve apart.
Nicole posted a photo of herself with a friend on her Twitter page on December 31. The caption read: '@esphotola and I...Headed to la la land for the #New Year. #2012 here we come!' Meanwhile Michael also posted a message on his Twitter page but made no mention of Nicole or where he celebrated the night. His message read: '2012 is here!!! Finally!!!!'Brought in with good and the best ppl [sic] in the world!!!!'
He was reportedly seen celebrating the New Year in New York with six male friends and six women. Neither party has so far confirmed or denied a split. The swimmer and the former beauty queen have been dating off and on for a few years.