The world's most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps, will not be attending the 2015 FINA World Championships after being suspended for six months from competitive sport after a DUI charge.
Eighteen time gold medalist Michael Phelps was suspended from competitive swimming for six months after the star was arrested in Baltimore on Tuesday while driving under the influence. Michael Phelps was charged on Tuesday last week after he was arrested while driving at 85 mph in a 45 mph road. He was also charged with excessive speed and crossing double lane lines within the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore.
On arrest, Phelps did not seem to be sober and when tested with a Breathalyzer, it read .14 percent. IN Maryland, the legal limit is .08 percent.
According to the arresting officer, Phelps appeared unable to perform basic field sobriety tests. The charge is not the 29 year old Michael Phelps' first DUI. In 2004, he was charged with drunken driving while just nineteen years old. He was sentenced to 18 months probation.
Phelps, in his statement, stated that he would be taking some time away from competitive swimming to enter a six week in patient program where he would be provided with the help that he needed to understand himself better. He stated that swimming was indeed a big part of his life but he needed time to also grow as an individual.
"Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual, and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future," said the star.
USA swimming executive director issued a statement Chuck Wielgus issued a statement of support for Michael Phelps on Sunday. He stated that they fully understood and supported Michael's decision to place his health and well being as his number one priority. "His self-recognition and commitment to get help exhibit how serious he is to learn from this experience."
Back in 2009 when Phelps was photographed with a marijuana pipe, he was suspended from competition for three months. No legal action was taken against him.
