Latest news with #U.S.NationalTeam
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Phelps calls USA Swimming leadership weak, demands systemic overhaul
Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming's leadership, with the 23-time Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organisational decline. The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, revealed he might not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the United States. Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, that he was 'told to be grateful for the chance to compete,' and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the 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 lengthy Instagram statement. '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 is about the system, its leadership, and how it's failing. 'There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow.' Reuters has contacted USA Swimming for comment. ALSO READ | I don't lose 800 metre, says Ledecky after another gold medal Phelps compared the success of the U.S. swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where it won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year when it slumped to its lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens. 'Poor leadership' Phelps also revealed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming earlier this year addressing his 'frustrations with the current state of the sport,' which was shared with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, outlining his concerns. He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches and current and former staff members but added 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. ALSO READ | United States breaks mixed 4x100m freestyle relay world record at World Swimming Championships '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 proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's Board of Directors and its organisation, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and foster 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. Lochte criticism Earlier this month, Phelps, along with six-time Olympic champion Ryan Lochte, made their disappointment clear 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.' FILE PHOTO: Earlier this month, Phelps, along with six-time Olympic champion Ryan Lochte (left), made their disappointment clear after the U.S. team's performance at the World Championships in Singapore. | Photo Credit: REUTERS Lochte added a caption referencing the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, saying: 'Call it a funeral or call it a fresh start. We've got 3 years.' Phelps shared Lochte's post and added: 'Is this the wake-up call USA swimming needed?' Despite early struggles in Singapore, the U.S. finished top of the medals table with nine gold medals and 29 medals overall. Related Topics Michael Phelps
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Michael Phelps Blasts USA Swimming Leadership As 'Poor' And 'Weak', Suggests Reforms
Michael Phelps suggested several reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's Board of Directors and its organisation. 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 About the Author Sports Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : michael phelps ryan lochte swimming USA Swimming view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 14, 2025, 19:14 IST News sports Michael Phelps Blasts USA Swimming Leadership As 'Poor' And 'Weak', Suggests Reforms Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Phelps slams 'weak' US swim leadership, urges reform
Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming's leadership, the 23-time Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organisational decline. The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he might not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the US. Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, he was "told to be grateful for the chance to compete", and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the 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 lengthy Instagram statement. "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 is about the system, its leadership, and how it's failing. "There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow." Phelps compared the success of the US swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, when they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year, when they slumped to their lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens. He also revealed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming this year addressing his "frustrations with the current state of the sport", which was shared with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches and current and former staff, but added 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 said. "Poor leadership trickles down and can impact an organization at every level. "Money is a factor. But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport's problems." Phelps proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's board and its organisation, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and foster 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 said. Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming's leadership, the 23-time Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organisational decline. The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he might not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the US. Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, he was "told to be grateful for the chance to compete", and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the 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 lengthy Instagram statement. "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 is about the system, its leadership, and how it's failing. "There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow." Phelps compared the success of the US swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, when they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year, when they slumped to their lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens. He also revealed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming this year addressing his "frustrations with the current state of the sport", which was shared with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches and current and former staff, but added 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 said. "Poor leadership trickles down and can impact an organization at every level. "Money is a factor. But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport's problems." Phelps proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's board and its organisation, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and foster 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 said. Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming's leadership, the 23-time Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organisational decline. The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he might not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the US. Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, he was "told to be grateful for the chance to compete", and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the 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 lengthy Instagram statement. "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 is about the system, its leadership, and how it's failing. "There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow." Phelps compared the success of the US swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, when they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year, when they slumped to their lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens. He also revealed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming this year addressing his "frustrations with the current state of the sport", which was shared with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches and current and former staff, but added 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 said. "Poor leadership trickles down and can impact an organization at every level. "Money is a factor. But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport's problems." Phelps proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's board and its organisation, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and foster 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 said. Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming's leadership, the 23-time Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organisational decline. The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he might not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the US. Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, he was "told to be grateful for the chance to compete", and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the 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 lengthy Instagram statement. "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 is about the system, its leadership, and how it's failing. "There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow." Phelps compared the success of the US swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, when they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year, when they slumped to their lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens. He also revealed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming this year addressing his "frustrations with the current state of the sport", which was shared with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches and current and former staff, but added 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 said. "Poor leadership trickles down and can impact an organization at every level. "Money is a factor. But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport's problems." Phelps proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's board and its organisation, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and foster 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 said.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Phelps slams 'weak' US swim leadership, urges reform
Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming's leadership, the 23-time Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organisational decline. The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he might not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the US. Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, he was "told to be grateful for the chance to compete", and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the 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 lengthy Instagram statement. "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 is about the system, its leadership, and how it's failing. "There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow." Phelps compared the success of the US swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, when they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year, when they slumped to their lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens. He also revealed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming this year addressing his "frustrations with the current state of the sport", which was shared with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches and current and former staff, but added 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 said. "Poor leadership trickles down and can impact an organization at every level. "Money is a factor. But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport's problems." Phelps proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's board and its organisation, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and foster 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 said.
New York Times
29-01-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Pittsburgh native and rising NHL star Logan Cooley has ‘found a home' with Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — In the past three years, Logan Cooley has gone from playing for the U.S. National Team to playing at the University of Minnesota, then in Arizona for a year and now, finally, in Salt Lake City. It's been a whirlwind. Truth be told, it's probably been a little overwhelming. One wouldn't know this from observing Cooley around his teammates, however. All of 20 years old, Cooley has emerged not only as a leader of the Utah Hockey Club but also as a blossoming superstar. Advertisement In his second NHL season and his first in Utah, Cooley is coming of age. He's produced 15 goals and 42 points in 49 games, playing at a significantly higher level than his very impressive rookie campaign. 'This kid,' said John Marino, 'is going to be a star in this league for a long time.' Many of his teammates know a thing or two about stars. Marino, Ian Cole, Olli Maatta, Robert Bortuzzo and Nick Bjugstad all played with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh. They are probably able to identify stars better than most. GO DEEPER Ian Cole, Olli Maatta, John Marino, Robert Bortuzzo have formed a Pittsburgh faction in Utah When they speak of Cooley, they all shake their heads. 'He reminds me of a young Nathan MacKinnon,' Cole said. 'He's just very, very good, and he keeps getting better … You combine his explosiveness and his hands with how quickly he processes information on the ice? Then consider what kind of a human being he is, which is wonderful. Then consider that he's only 20? Yeah. Superstar.' LOGAN COOLEY IS FASTER THAN YOU! 🫵 — Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) January 21, 2025 Cooley is quiet but has a presence about him that is very clear in the Utah locker room. Veterans don't defer to him, but they don't treat him like another 20-year-old because, truthfully, he isn't one of those. It's becoming clear that Cooley is the player that will guide this franchise for a long time. After the fiasco in Arizona that served as Cooley's introduction to the NHL, this has been a welcome change. 'I love it here,' Cooley said. 'The ownership, the fans, it's all been so great. And honestly, just knowing we're still going to be in Utah next year after what it was like last year, that's a good feeling. It makes you more comfortable and helps you play better when you don't have to worry about all of that other stuff.' Cooley remains a Pittsburgh kid to the core. He jokes about being a kid watching teammates Cole and Maatta win the Stanley Cup for the Penguins. He reminisces about growing up in West Mifflin Pa. and eating at Murph's Pub when he'd be at Rostraver Ice Garden. Advertisement You can't take the Pittsburgh entirely out of the kid, but make no mistake, he feels at home in Utah. In its first season in Salt Lake City, the Utah Hockey Club plays before sellout crowds in the Delta Center and a region that is synonymous with outdoor sports appears to be falling in love with its hockey team. In Cooley, the franchise possesses a young star it can build around. 'He's improved from even the beginning of the season until now is incredible,' Cole said. 'Seriously, every part of his game is elevated now compared to where it was in October. You can just see it. I believe, before too much longer, he is going to be a bona fide superstar in this league. I mean that. He's that good.' Cooley's physical skills are plenty electric. He's fast, he's a pure goal scorer, he sees the ice better at a noticeably high level and he's stronger than he looks, his teammates will tell you. What's noteworthy about him, however, is that his teammates prefer to speak of his intangibles even though his physical gifts are considerable. That, they believe, is what will elevate his status even higher and make him a true star in Utah and around the league. 'He's an incredible kid,' Marino said. 'You won't hear anyone here say a bad word about him. He has a different kind of work ethic, too. You don't always see that with guys as young as him, but he's got it.' There is a noticeable maturity to Cooley in the way he speaks, the way he converses with his teammates and his dealings with fans. Everyone in the Utah organization gushes about him. 'I think the poise and maturity that he has at his age is a really big deal,' Cole said. 'That's a big thing. He's just got all of these mental tools, which is great. Sure, the physical skills are important. We all know that. But you need the mental tools to thrive in this league, especially, I think, if you want to be a star. And he's got it. Plus, you never have to worry about him off the ice. He's smart, a good kid. No one will ever have to worry about him.' Advertisement André Tourigny, Utah's coach, clearly believes the sky is the limit. He sees Utah's youngest player getting better every day. Literally. 'His 200-foot game is really, really good,' Tourigny said. 'It's about consistency. But he is more consistent than he was a year ago. He's more consistent than he was two months ago. He still keeps growing. I think he's very competitive. he controls his emotions much better now. When he gets emotional, he has a tendency to (struggle). But he's pretty consistent in that way now.' Cooley has scored six goals in January yet for the first time all season, he's gone three games in a row without producing a point. Facing the Penguins' struggling defense might be just what he needs. Or, according to his teammates, maybe he doesn't need any help at all. Sometimes, you're just that good. 'Skill level is off the charts,' Marino said. 'I mean, he's just special. Really, really special.' Cooley said the game has slowed down in his second NHL season, which could mean big trouble for the rest of the league. 'See, I like to use my speed,' Cooley said. 'Last year, though, I think I did that too much. I was doing everything too fast, instead of letting the game come to me a bit. I'm starting to learn that about myself this season.' Cooley was plenty good as a rookie, racking up 20 goals and 44 points. This season, though, is something entirely different. 'I just feel so good about myself and my game,' he said. 'And I really do feel like I've found a home.'
