Source: Xinhua

02-03-2009 08:11

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said on Monday that it was "disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps," after the legendary eight-gold-winning swimmer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was shown inhaling from a marijuana pipe in a tabloid picture.

"Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people," the USOC said in a statement emailed to Xinhua on Monday.

"In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities," the statement said.

A British tabloid recently published a photo of Phelps inhaling from what appears to be a marijuana pipe. Phelps made history by sweeping a record eight gold medals in the pool of Beijing at last year's summer Olympic Games.

The Olympian made a quick apology over the weekend, saying: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me."

"Michael has acknowledged that he made a mistake and apologized for his actions," the USOC statement noted.

"We are confident that, going forward, Michael will consistently.

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Editor:Zheng Limin