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Michael Phelps Accuses USA Swimming of ‘Broken’ Leadership and Seeks Independent Review

USA Swimming defended its leadership by citing athlete illness in Singapore, inviting alumni input on governance reforms before the Los Angeles Olympics.

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Apr 5, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps looks on during the first half of the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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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.