Michael Phelps held nothing back with message to Paris officials over 'cheaters' at the Olympics

Olympic legend Michael Phelps has made his feelings crystal clear regarding 'cheaters' at the Olympics as he pulled no punches, telling officials how to deal with drug users.

Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all-time following his incredible exploits at the peak of his powers in swimming.

He has a total of 28 Olympic medals, including a record 23 gold medals, across five Olympics.

During his legendary career, he was subjected to strict drug testing and even underwent extra testing to eliminate any doubt around his victories in the pool.

Swimmers at this year's Olympics have also come under scrutiny, with the Chinese swimming team grabbing plenty of headlines after nine of their swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance ahead of the Tokyo Olympics have won medals in Paris.

Team GB star Adam Peaty has been critical of the Chinese swimming team, with Phelps believing one positive test should result in a life-time ban.

"If you test positive, you should never be allowed to come back and compete again, cut and dry. I believe one and done," he explained.

"It does break my heart to see people put hard effort into four straight years to prepare for an Olympic Games, then to have it taken away from them by somebody who is cheating.

"It’s not right. I stand for that and I will always stand for that."

Michael Phelps at the 2024 Olympics. Image: Getty

Phelps added: "If everybody is not going through that same testing, I have a serious problem because it means the level of sport is not fair and it’s not even.

"If you’re taking that risk, then you don’t belong in here."

The 39-year-old concluded: "Go ahead and go to the cheater games. Keep the Olympics about integrity."