(Image source from: Michael Phelps banned for six months by US})

Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps has been banned for six months by USA Swimming on Monday and also dropped from the 2015 World Championships. The 18-time Olympic champion was arrested last week for drunken driving.

Phelps' punishments comes six days after he was arrested by police in his hometown Baltimore. He has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in excessive speed and  for crossing the center line while driving inside a tunnel.

After announcing the  sanctions against USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus said the Olympic superstar's  actions needed "significant consequences."

On Sunday, Phelps' twitter post talked about taking a break from swimming to resolve some personal issues.

Phelps' disciplinary action also includes forfeiture of funding from the federation for six months. This is in keeping to the rules of the USA Swimming that prohibit conduct "detrimental to the image or reputation" of USA Swimming or the sport. However, Phelps can train at his club.

The disciplinary action against Michael Phelps prohibits him from participating in  USA Swimming - sanctioned competitions till March 6, 2015.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)