Michael Phelps' swimming career has been put on hold by the Olympian following his second DUI arrest, Fox News reported.
Olympian Michael Phelp's swimming career would take a back seat as the athlete concentrates on a six-week rehab program. He did not, however, mention how long a break he wants to take but there were no indications that he was quiting the sport.
In a series of posts on his Twitter account, Phelps shared his decision to enter himself in the program.
"The past few days have been extremely difficult," Phelps posted. "I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself. I'm going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself."
The-29-year-old bemedalled athlete added: "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 decision in the future."
Phelps was arrested on Tuesday and was charged with drunk driving after going 84 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour area.
USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus said in a statement that the organization supports Phelps' journey to well-being. His self-recognition and commitment to get help exhibit how serious he is to learn from this experience," said Wielgus.
Octagon, the facility in which Phelps entered as a in-patient, said the athlete will undergo "a comprehensive program that will help him focus on all his life experiences and identify areas of need for long-term personal growth and development."
In 2004, Phelps was arrested for drunk driving in Maryland. He was given 18 month's probation for pleading guilty to a lesser charge.
Phelps had won a record of 18 gold medals and 22 medals overall in the 2012 Olympics in London before retiring. He made a comeback in April 2014 with steady but promising results, but Michael Phelps' swimming career has been put on hold.
