DHAKA: Michael Phelps has been suspended from all competition for six months by USA Swimming following his drink-driving arrest, BBC reports.

Phelps, 29, was stopped by police after being caught travelling 84mph (135km/h) in a 45mph zone in Baltimore, Maryland, on 30 September.

The most decorated Olympian in history, he apologised before announcing he was taking a break from the sport.

He will also not take part in the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

Although his ban ends on 6 April, 2015, USA Swimming say Phelps will not be chosen to represent the United States team at next August's championships.

He has also had his funding withdrawn for the length of his ban.

Phelps won 22 Olympic medals between 2004 and 2012, 18 of them gold.

He retired after the London Games but returned to competition in April.

Phelps was previously charged with driving under the influence in Maryland in 2004. He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in exchange for 18 months' probation.

BDST: 0939 HRS, OCT 07, 2014