Swimming superstar Michael Phelps has admitted to doubts over whether he will compete at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Michael Phelps Has Won 14 Olympic Gold Medal

The 23-year-old is considering the next stage of his career after the publication of a photo appearing to show him smoking marijuana at a party.

The American was non-committal when asked if he intends to swim in London.

“This is a decision of mine that I’m not going to make today and I’m not going to make tomorrow,” Phelps told the Baltimore Sun newspaper.

“If I decide to walk away, I’ll decide to walk away on my own terms. If it’s now, if it’s four years, who knows. But it is something I need to think about and decide what I want to do.”

Phelps set a new Olympic record in Beijing with eight victories in the pool, eclipsing Mark Spitz’s previous best of seven golds in a single Games.

However, he has previously claimed that he would focus on fewer events in 2012 to experience more of the atmosphere around the Olympic village and events.

If I decide to walk away, I’ll decide to walk away on my own terms  Michael Phelps on the possibility of retirement

His complete absence would be a disappointment to London 2012 organisers who arranged for Phelps to travel to the city for the handover ceremony last summer.

Phelps used an interview with his hometown newspaper to admit that he had “clearly made a mistake”, but denied that he used marijuana regularly.

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

“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.”

Phelps claims the episode has reminded him of the scrutiny he is under as the most decorated male Olympian of all time.

He has been spending time with his mother and two sisters since the photo was published and will talk over his future with his coach Bob Bowman.

Despite the controversy, the majority of his sponsors have stood by Phelps.

Swimming’s governing body FINA and the International Olympic Committee have both accepted his apology and he has received public backing from Bowman who explained the pressures that fame has placed on his charge.

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