Article by Luminița Paul – published on Thursday, August 14, 2025, 18:41 / Updated Thursday, August 1425 18:47
Michael Phelps (40 years old), the largest American swimmer in history, mourns the state of sport in his country, indicating that the problems are old and at the level of organization. Father of four boys, he said he was not sure if he would like them to swim at a competitive level.
Legendary Michael Phelps continues to be extremely critical of the American swimming, heading for a harsh attack on USA Swimming, the specialized federation. One that he considers weak. The most Olympic sports medal in history, with 28 distinctions, requires drastic measures to rehabilitate what he sees as an organizational decline stretched for many years.
Phelps has chosen social networks to expose his opinions, in a wide Instagram post. During the recent World Championships in Singapore, he commented on the story set by another great American swimming star, Ryan Lochte, who reproduced a funeral stone he wrote: “In memory of swimming in the United States. He lived between 1980 and 2025, until the age of 45. Raised up the pole-until they stopped and couldn't touch it anymore”.
He accompanied the dark image with a comment: “You can attend at the moment as a funeral or as a fresh start. We have 3 years,” referring to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. And Phelps added: “Is the awakening to the reality that US birth needed? Let's find out …”.
After all, the US ended the swimming races at the top of the ranking on medals, with a total of 29 and a distribution of 9 gold, 11 silver and 9 bronze.
Michael Phelps: “My criticisms are related to the system”
Michael Phelps noted that he received criticism for his comment, but most of the replies were approval. “Maybe some of you do not agree with my perception, but I am glad to see that this speech forces a broader discussion,” he started posting.
He immediately stated that he has the greatest respect for American swimmers who competed in the World Cup and that his remarks were not addressed. “I know how much I work and how honored they are to represent the US national team. “My criticisms are related to the system, its leadership and the fact that it has failed“Phelps pointed out.
The mixed state of the United States of America at CM 2025 Photo: Guliver/Gettyimages
He indicated that there have always been cracks in the system, but in the last nine years, since withdrew, they have increased. Then, at Rio, American swimmers obtained 57% from the medals at which they have the opportunity to conquer them. At Paris 2024 – just 44%.
He also stressed that he spent much of his life inside the system that has to support athletes. “I gave everything, but often my voice did not hear. I have seen too many teammates who struggle to compete in a sport they love without the support they need“Phelps wrote.
“I also saw how the sport is struggling to restore the number of legitimates to the levels before the pandemic and I am tired of claiming that this system works only because it produces medals,” he continued.
Michael Phelps: “My door is open and there are many things to do”
“As a father of four boys, it hurts to say that I am not sure if I would like them to be part of this sport at a competitive level. Yes, swim changed my life, but it caused me a lot of headaches, and its current condition makes me feel sad, and angry,” he expressed his feelings.
Phelps and his wife, Nicole, are Boomer's parents – 9 years old, Beckett – 7, Maverick – 6 and Nico – 1 year.
Michael Phelps with his sons Boomer, Beckett and Maverick Photo: Instagram
I want to see this sport flouring and I want to be part of the solution. I have always said that I want to change swimming in the USA and support this. I still care and I don't want to give up – Michael Phelps
Phelps also proposed several solutions, including the increased support for young swimmers and prioritizing the needs of elite swimmers towards coaches.
“My door is open and there are a lot to do“He concluded.
