Michael Phelps criticizes USA Swimming's 'weak leadership,' volunteers as resource for change

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Decorated United States swimmer Michael Phelps called out USA Swimming yet again, this time going into great detail about his belief the program is declining. 

Phelps posted a lengthy, five-page statement on Instagram, doubling down on his call for action within the organization. 

"I’ve watched too many teammates struggle to compete in a sport they love without the support they need," Phelps wrote. "I’ve also seen the sport struggle to return its membership numbers to pre-pandemic levels, and I’m done pretending this system works just because it produces medals. 

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Former United States swimmer Michael Phelps waves to fans during a women's basketball quarterfinal game between the United States and Nigeria at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris. (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

"Swimming, to me, was always about more than just medals – it’s supposed to be an environment that builds champions in and out of the pool. As a Dad to four young boys, it pains me to say that I’m not sure if I’d want my sons to be a part of this sport at a competitive level. Yes, swimming changed my life, but it also caused a lot of heartache, and its current state makes me both sad and angry."

Phelps began his post by clarifying that he wasn’t calling out the actual swimmers in the organization with his initial critique, but rather leadership outside the pool. 

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He pointed out the team’s decline in performance, saying Team USA won just 44% of medals at the 2024 Paris