Michael Phelps, the most decorated swimmer of all time, has launched a strong attack on the leadership of USA Swimming, calling the organization “weak” and demanding deep reforms. In an extensive Instagram post, the 23-time Olympic champion expressed his frustration over what he sees as years of organizational decline and the lack of support for athletes.

The American, retired since 2016, said he has seen too many teammates struggle to compete without the necessary resources and even questioned whether he would let his children get involved in the sport in its current state. Phelps stressed that his criticism is not aimed at the swimmers, whom he deeply respects, but at the system and its structural flaws, which —according to him— have worsened over the last nine years.

A call for reforms and support for athletes

In his message, Phelps recalled that during his competitive career he often felt his voice was not heard, that he was told to “be grateful” and remain silent to avoid conflict. Now, at 40 years old, he says he is no longer willing to “pretend that the system works just because it produces medals” and offered to help push for changes. His proposals include greater support for young swimmers and the prioritization of elite athletes’ needs over those of coaches.

The former swimmer also pointed out the drop in results for the United States at recent Olympic Games, comparing the 33 medals won in Rio 2016 to the 28 achieved in Paris 2024, the lowest tally since Athens 2004. Phelps is not alone in his discontent: his former teammate Ryan Lochte also publicly criticized the organization, going so far as to post an image of a symbolic “funeral” for USA Swimming during the last world championships.