Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, has spoken out about his frustrations with USA Swimming's leadership.
He revealed that despite his efforts to contribute, he feels ignored and undervalued by the organization.
What happened?
Phelps shared his concerns in a recent interview with Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP, on YouTube.
He stated that USA Swimming did not do enough to support athletes during his competitive career.
Phelps also mentioned that he wrote a letter with suggestions for reform, but it "seemed to fall on deaf ears".
Why it matters for Michael Phelps
Phelps' criticism comes as USA Swimming faces scrutiny over its performance in recent competitions, including the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The team earned only approximately 44% of projected medals, the lowest percentage since 1988.
Phelps emphasized that this underperformance is not the fault of the athletes, but rather a result of structural flaws in leadership.
What comes next?
Phelps expressed his desire to help make positive changes for the athletes, but feels that his efforts are being dismissed by the organization.
He cited the example of the delayed appointment of a new CEO, Kevin Ring, which took over a year to fill.
Phelps also referenced his own experiences with the national team director, who told him he didn't know what he was talking about.
And Phelps remains committed to advocating for the athletes, despite the challenges he faces.
But he believes that more transparency and accountability are needed to ensure the success of the team.
So Phelps will continue to speak out and push for change, even if it means facing resistance from the organization.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are approaching, and Phelps hopes that USA Swimming will take his concerns seriously and make necessary changes.
Phelps' comments have added to the growing criticism of USA Swimming's leadership, and it remains to be seen how the organization will respond to his concerns.