New York, Feb 6 : Ace swimmer Michael Phelps has been barred from competition for three months after he was snapped smoking a bong at a party.

The pics published in Britain''s News of the World, showing the eight times Olympic gold medallist using a bong, were taken in November at a University of South Carolina house party.

The 23-year-old star had also apologised for his `inappropriate conduct'.

USA Swimming has also temporarily withdrawing its financial support to him.

Phelps receives a monthly stipend of 1,750 dollars from the organization. The national and world championships will be held in the summer.

"We decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and hero," The New York Times quoted the organization as saying in a statement.

However, Phelps's agent, Drew Johnson, declined to comment.

Darryl Seibel, a spokesman for the United States Olympic Committee, said that its officials were willing to work with Phelps to ensure that he does not repeat his misstep.

"Michael understands that ultimately he's accountable for what he does, and this is a consequence that resulted from a very bad decision," Seibel added. (ANI)