Overview
- Phelps published a detailed Instagram statement on August 13, calling USA Swimming’s leadership weak and declaring the organization broken.
- He contrasted a 57% medal conversion rate at Rio 2016 with a 44% rate at Paris 2024, attributing the drop to leadership failures rather than athlete performance.
- Phelps demanded an independent review of USA Swimming’s governance structure and volunteered his own involvement to drive systemic change.
- Interim CEO Bob Vincent defended the federation by pointing to severe illness among swimmers at the Singapore World Championships and expressing confidence in National Team Director Greg Meehan.
- Both Phelps and USA Swimming have extended invitations to former athletes to collaborate on reforms as the dispute over accountability intensifies ahead of the 2028 Games.