Michael Phelps, the man who won more Olympic gold medals than any athlete in the history of the competition, admitted that the photo run by a British tabloid in which he appeared smoking from a marijuana pipe was real. He apologized for engaging in the “regrettable” activity.

Phelps said on Sunday that he is sorry for his “regrettable” behavior and for showing “bad judgment” during a college party three months ago. The photos run by the News of the World, a London-based Sunday tabloid, showed the swimmer smoking marijuana from a pipe, commonly known as a bong. 

The record 14- time Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer said he acted in a “youthful and inappropriate way” instead of behaving like people expect him to.

In his statement, Phelps did not challenge the legitimacy of photographs published by the British tabloid. The photo was snapped at a party at the University of South Carolina in November.

“I promise my fans and the public -- it will not happen again,” Phelps said in a statement released by Octagon, his marketing management firm, and posted on his Facebook page.

He will not have to face any punishment for admitting to smoking marijuana. The substance is outlawed in Olympic sports, but only during the competition, and Phelps was clear during the Beijing Olympics. However, it is quite hard to understand why marijuana, which doesn’t enhance one’s physical abilities and does quite the opposite, is banned by the Olympic Committee. If a sportsman smokes marijuana and manages to win a gold medal, or even finish the race, I would personally give him two medals. The ban probably has more to do with the example Olympic champions set for young fans.

In a statement released with the occasion of this scandal, the U.S. Olympic Committee said that Phelps 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.” Last week, the U.S.O.C. named Phelps male athlete of the year.

If caught for the first time using marijuana during competition, an athlete is hit with a two-year ban from competition. Phelps has never been cited for doping violations.

Phelps had asked the U.S. Anti- Doping Agency more than a year ago to test him more frequently in order to dismiss suggestions that his performances are aided by steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. The swimmer has never tested positive. The agency is currently evaluating whether Phelps remains in that program, said the organization’s chief, Travis Tygart.

Michael Phelps’ incredible performance at the Beijing Olympics last year earned him a record 8 gold medals. He was also named Sports Illustrated’s sportsman of the year and his record boosted his portfolio of endorsements with names such as Kellogg’s, Mazda and Subway.