Olympic legend Michael Phelps has issued a direct critique of USA Swimming’s leadership, accusing the organization of failing to support its athletes and sustain its competitive edge. In a lengthy, five-page post shared on Instagram, Phelps detailed his frustrations with the organization’s “weak leadership” and “poor operational controls,” which he believes are undermining the sport’s growth and development. He pointed to the declining performance of Team USA, which secured only 44% of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics—the lowest share since 1988. This marked a significant departure from the team’s historical dominance, which had long been a hallmark of American swimming.
Phelps’ comments were accompanied by a call to action for USA Swimming to undergo a comprehensive restructuring. He emphasized the need for an independent review of the organization’s operations and a shift toward an “athletes-first” mentality. “Swimming, to me, was always about more than just medals—it’s supposed to be an environment that builds champions in and out of the pool,” he wrote. “As a Dad to four young boys, it pains me to say that I’m not sure if I’d want my sons to be a part of this sport at a competitive level. Yes, swimming changed my life, but it also caused a lot of heartache, and its current state makes me both sad and angry.” His comments reflect a broader concern among athletes about the lack of support and the growing stress within the sport’s elite ranks.
The critique was partly rooted in Phelps’ earlier interactions with former teammate Ryan Lochte, who had previously called out USA Swimming’s leadership for its handling of internal issues. Lochte had sent an image of a hypothetical funeral for USA Swimming, implying the organization was in a dire state. Phelps’ comments echoed these concerns, calling for a “wake-up call” for the organization. Despite acknowledging the financial strains on the sport, he argued that the root issue lies in leadership and operational inefficiencies. “I’ve watched too many teammates struggle to compete in a sport they love without the support they need,” he wrote, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on athletes.
Phelps has offered himself as a resource to help implement these changes, stating, “My door is open and there is work to be done.” His involvement, combined with his past successes in the sport, has raised hopes for meaningful reform. However, the criticisms also underscore the growing divide between the legacy of American swimming and its current challenges. With Team USA’s performance plateauing and membership numbers struggling to recover from pandemic-related declines, the call for change has never been more urgent. As Phelps’ post went viral, it ignited a broader conversation about the future of American swimming, the role of leadership, and the need for sustained investment in supporting athletes at all levels.