Phelps' doubts over 2012

Phelps: 2012 in doubt

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Michael Phelps may not swim at the London Olympics after being caught up in a drug controversy.

After the record-breaking gold-medallist was pictured inhaling from a pipe commonly used for smoking marijuana, he said that intense public scrutiny may cause him to reconsider his participation in 2012.

"This is a decision of mine that I'm not going to make it today and I'm not going to make tomorrow," Phelps told the Baltimore Sun.

"It's going to require a lot of time and energy and a lot of thinking for myself - but also talking to (my coach Bob Bowman) and talking to my family and just deciding what I want to do."

Stupid

Phelps, winner of 14 Olympic gold medals in the swimming pool, has not admitted to smoking cannabis but did say he regretted his actions.

"This was stupid, and I know this won't happen again. It's obviously bad judgment, and it's something I'm not proud of at all," Phelps added.

"I will say that with the mistakes that I've made in my life, I've learned from them. Every one of them. And I've become a better person. That's what I plan to do from here."

Swimming's world governing body, FINA, has accepted the 23-year-old's apology and most of Phelps' sponsors have indicated they will stand by him.

The American's coach, Bob Bowman, has hinted that Phelps will attempt to participate at London in 2012.