USA Swimming Suspends Phelps after Drunk Driving Arrest

VOA News
6 October 2014 (6:49PM)

The United States governing body for competitive swimming has banned Olympic superstar Michael Phelps from competing for six months after a drunk driving arrest.

Phelps, who has won the most Olympic medals in history, was pulled over in his hometown of Baltimore, in the eastern U.S. state of Maryland, last week, driving 135 kilometers per hour and crossing lanes inside a traffic tunnel.

USA Swimming says Phelps' actions are detrimental to the the sports' image, reputation and code of conduct.

He can still train with the team but cannot swim in any world events until March.

Phelps has apologized for his behavior and says he is seeking help.

This is the second time Phelps has been charged with driving while impaired. He was also banned from competition in 2009 when he was photographed smoking what appeared to be a marijuana pipe.

Phelps has won 22 Olympic swimming medals in the 2008 and 2012 games, including 18 golds - making him the most decorated athlete in modern Olympic history.

He has said he hopes to compete in the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.