Phelps arrested

By Jodiann Gayle

Eighteen time Olympic swimming gold medallist, Michael Phelps, was arrested on Tuesday for driving while under the influence, DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lanes in Baltimore, Maryland.

The 26-time World Championship gold medallist was arrested about 1:40am by Maryland Transport Authority, MTA. Phelps who was driving at 84 mph in a 45 mph zone was later charged and released. The 29-year-old champion swimmer was also arrested in 2004 on DUI charges. But in a plea agreement he was placed on 18 months probation.

The American swimmer then took to Twitter to reach out to supporters and expressed his personal disappointment with his actions, noting:

"I recognise the seriousness of this mistake. I've learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life," Phelps said then.

Phelps retired at the age of 28 after winning his 22nd Olympic medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games (his overall olympic tally is 18 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze) but came out of retirement earlier this year.

He has been swimming competitively in recent months as part of an apparent comeback bid for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 in Brazil.