Phelps' thoughts are with Tiger Woods

FOURTEEN-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps has given his best wishes to Tiger Woods, who is currently taking a break from golf amid allegations of infidelity.

BEST WISHES: Michael Phelps reveals he feels for Tiger Woods amid the wolrd number one golfer's personal life scandal (Getty Images)

The world's number one golfer announced he would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from golf, following the unravelling of his personal life, prompted by a car accident last month.

Phelps is no stranger to unwanted headlines himself, having been pictured smoking from a bong in a British newspaper at the start of the year.

The 24-year-old swimmer later admitted he considered quitting his sport but bounced back after a three-month ban from US Swimming, to capture five gold medals and one bronze at this summer's World Championships.

And Phelps, ahead of making his competitive debut in the UK at the British Gas Duel in the Pool this weekend, revealed his feelings were with Woods.

"At times like these you really find out who your friends are," said Phelps. "I'm wishing the best for him and his family because I can only assume he's going through a very tough time.

"I would be the first to admit I've made a lot of mistakes in the past but I think they have made me a stronger person.  I've never made those mistakes again.

"And I believe that has made me a stronger person. I don't think it was good to make those mistakes but I would say that they have helped me. I've certainly learned from them."

 * British Gas and British Swimming. The nation's leading energy supplier, British Gas, is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, supporting the sport at all levels: 'From paddling pool to podium'. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming