The 29-year-old, the most decorated athlete in Olympic history, was arrested by police in Baltimore, Maryland last Tuesday (September 30) and later charged with driving under the influence after failing a series of standard sobriety tests.

Phelps was reportedly driving a 4x4 at 84 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour zone when stopped by police before being charged and later released.

It was the second time in a decade the swimmer was caught drink driving.

He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in exchange for 18 months probation after being stopped by police in Maryland in 2004.

In 2009, he was also caught on camera allegedly smoking from a bong filled with marijuana.

Phelps, who has 22 medals, including 18 golds, from three Olympic Games, wrote on Twitter that he was "deeply sorry to everyone I have let down" following his arrest last week.

He took to social media today to reveal that he intends to take a break from swimming while he seeks help.

Michael Phelps has taken to social media to reveal that he is taking a break from swimming to attend a programme ©Twitter



Writing on his Facebook and Twitter pages, Phelps said: "The past few days have been extremely difficult.

"I recognise that this is not my first lapse in judgement and I am extremely disappointed with myself.

"I'm going to take some time away to attend a programme that will provide the help I need to better understand myself.

"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."

Following his arrest last week, Phelps' United States team mate Ryan Lochte claimed the swimmer tends to make "dumb decisions".

Phelps announced his retirement from the pool following London 2012 but announced his return to competitive action in April as he targets another Olympic appearance at Rio 2016.

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