Swimming: Phelps says sorry after drink-drive offence

Michael Phelps, the six-time Olympic champion, issued an apology yesterday after being arrested and charged with drunken driving in the United States. "I'm 19, but I was taught that no matter how old you are you should always take responsibility for your actions, which I will do. I'm very sorry this happened," he said.

Michael Phelps, the six-time Olympic champion, issued an apology yesterday after being arrested and charged with drunken driving in the United States. "I'm 19, but I was taught that no matter how old you are you should always take responsibility for your actions, which I will do. I'm very sorry this happened," he said.

A trooper saw Phelps go through a stop sign last Thursday night in Salisbury, Maryland. The trooper saw signs of intoxication and arrested Phelps. The swimmer was also charged with violation of a licence restriction and failure to obey a stop sign. He was released early on Friday. The legal drinking age in Maryland is 21.

"I want to say that last week I made a mistake. I know that getting in a car with anything to drink is wrong, dangerous and is unacceptable," Phelps, who is from Baltimore, said. He won eight medals at this year's Olympics in Athens, including six golds.