Michael Phelps is a better boyfriend than he is a swimmer.

With controversy swirling around girlfriend Caroline Pal and her racy photos, the Olympic champion has taken the focus off his oft-nude gal pal by getting himself photographed smoking marijuana.

The incident took place in November, months after Phelps captured eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, at a University Of South Carolina house party. Said a witness:

“He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in the pool. He was the gold medal winner of bong hits."

What a competitor! Such intense drive is a necessary component for champions such as Phelps, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Over the weekend, Phelps apologized for the incident.

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment... I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public -- it will not happen again."

It's okay, Michael. The photo above is almost enough to help us forget about the aforementioned shots of your girlfriend. Almost...