Michael Phelps Blasts USA Swimming Leadership As 'Poor' And 'Weak', Suggests Reforms
Michael Phelps has launched a fierce criticism of USA Swimming's leadership, with the 23-time Olympic gold medallist labelling the organisation as weak and calling for significant reforms following years of perceived decline.
The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian ever with 28 medals, expressed his concerns while admitting he may not want his four young sons to compete in swimming given the current state of the sport in the United States.
Reflecting on his competitive career, Phelps conveyed his long-standing frustrations, noting that he often felt ignored, was 'told to be grateful for the chance to compete" and pressured to stay silent and maintain peace.
'First, I must be clear that I have the utmost respect for the U.S. swimmers that competed at the World Championships," Phelps, who retired in 2016, wrote in a detailed Instagram post.
'My criticism is in no way directed at them – I know how hard they work and how honoured they are to represent the U.S. National Team. My criticism targets the system, its leadership, and its failures.
'There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow."
Phelps contrasted the U.S. swim team's success at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where they secured 33 medals, with their performance at the Paris Games last year, which resulted in their lowest medal count in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens.
Pool Leadership
Phelps also disclosed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming earlier this year detailing his 'frustrations with the current state of the sport," which was shared with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee to highlight his concerns.
He mentioned having support from former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches, and both current and former staff members but noted that the letter 'seemed to fall on deaf ears."
'I've asked myself what's changed in our sport and the answer is clear … this isn't on the athletes as they continue to do the best they can with what they've been given. This is on the leadership of USA Swimming," he added.
'Poor leadership trickles down and can impact an organisation at every level.
'Money is a factor. But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport's problems."
Phelps suggested several reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's Board of Directors and its organisation, enhancing athlete services, and bolstering grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and promote growth.
'I offer up my service to be a resource in these proposed initial steps and I am hopeful that the USA Swimming community will accept my offer," he added.
Earlier this month, Phelps, alongside six-time Olympic champion Ryan Lochte, expressed their disappointment after the U.S. team's performance at the World Championships in Singapore.
Lochte shared an image on social media of a tombstone with the inscription: 'In loving memory of United States Swimming. They set the bar high — until they stopped reaching for it."
Lochte added a caption mentioning the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, saying: 'Call it a funeral or call it a fresh start. We've got 3 years."
Phelps reposted Lochte's image and commented: 'Is this the wake-up call USA swimming needed?"
Despite early challenges in Singapore, the U.S. finished at the top of the medals table with nine golds and 29 medals overall.
With Inputs From Reuters
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August 14, 2025, 19:14 IST
News sports Michael Phelps Blasts USA Swimming Leadership As 'Poor' And 'Weak', Suggests Reforms
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