The pics published in Britain’s News of the World, showing the eight times Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps using a bong, were taken in November at a University of South Carolina house party. He did appear genuinely apologetic and embarrassed when he apologised to his fans and sponsors earlier this week about the photo. “It’s something I am going to have to live with and something I’ll have to grow from,” Phelps told The Associated Press on Wednesday outside the pool where he trains. ”By no means it is fun for me, by no means is it easy.”

Surprisingly, several of Phelps’ sponsors — including Visa, apparel company Speedo and luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega — have expressed their support of the athlete.Even the Swiss-based FINA praised Phelps for his public apology on Wednesday.

In the wake of such whole-hearted support, it did come as a jolt when Phelps reportedly mentioned to Baltimore Sun that the incident has forced him to think whether to compete in 2012 Olympics. He said he’s going to discuss it over with his family and his coach, Bob Bowman. “This is a decision of mine that I’m not going to make today and I’m not going to make tomorrow,” Phelps said. “If I decide to walk away, I’ll decide to walk away on my own terms.”

If you really meant what you said about learning from your mistakes, Phelps, we DO hope that you won’t let this immature incident let you walk away from another stellar Olympic performance!!!

Via : AP/ Baltimore Sun