Legendary Phelps backs Chinese teen sensation Ye Shiwen

London, Aug. 7(ANI): Legendary swimmer Michael Phelps has told critics to lay off Chinese teen sensation Ye Shiwen, and believes the teenager's incredible results were achieved due to sheer hard work.

The 16-year-old swimmer came under suspicion of doping after she swam the final 50m of the 400m individual medley quicker than the winner of the men's race Ryan Lochte.

Phelps on Sunday brought the curtain down on a career that brought him 18 Olympic gold medals in a tally of 22 at the Games, plus 26 world titles.

"It's kind of sad that people have a great swim and that's the first thing they say. People who work hard... it shows, and there are people who jump to that conclusion sometimes and it's not right," The Daily Star quoted Phelps, as saying.

"Being able to watch her was pretty amazing. I'm happy I actually out-swum her in the last 100!" he added. (ANI)