Additional Coverage:
- Michael Phelps criticizes USA Swimming’s ‘weak leadership,’ volunteers as resource for change (foxnews.com)
Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Voices Concerns Over State of USA Swimming
Olympic icon Michael Phelps has publicly expressed his concerns about the declining state of USA Swimming. In a heartfelt statement posted on social media, the 23-time gold medalist didn’t mince words, detailing his worries about the organization’s performance and leadership.
Phelps clarified that his critique wasn’t directed at the athletes themselves, but rather at the leadership and overall direction of the program. He cited Team USA’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they secured only 44% of the medals, their lowest percentage since 1988, as a key indicator of the decline. He also expressed concern over the difficulty in rebuilding membership numbers post-pandemic.
Beyond the medal count, Phelps expressed deeper concerns about the overall culture of USA Swimming. “Swimming, to me, was always about more than just medals,” he wrote, emphasizing the importance of an environment that nurtures athletes both in and out of the pool. He poignantly questioned whether he would want his own sons to participate in competitive swimming in its current state, citing the “heartache” he experienced in the sport.
While critical of the organization, Phelps also offered solutions, pledging his support and expertise to help address the issues. He specifically called for an independent review of USA Swimming and advocated for an athlete-centric approach, focusing on support systems for swimmers of all levels.
Phelps’s public statement follows a previous post referencing former teammate Ryan Lochte’s symbolic “funeral” image for USA Swimming and questioning whether the recent World Championships, where the US topped the medal count, served as a true “wake-up call.”
The decorated Olympian’s candid assessment has sparked discussion and renewed focus on the future direction of USA Swimming.