Is USA Swimming Sabotaging its Own Success at LA 2028?

2025-08-16 00:00:21.496

In three years, the Los Angeles Olympics will feature a spectacular swimming program held in a state-of-the-art natatorium within SoFi Stadium. However, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, fears the US swimming program is ill-prepared for this opportunity. He criticizes USA Swimming's leadership for "weak stewardship" and "poor operational controls," suggesting a decline in performance and organizational drift. Phelps points to the drop in the US team's medal share from 57% in 2016 to 44% in 2024 as evidence of systemic issues. He advocates for an independent review, improved athlete services, and increased grassroots investment. Other swimming greats, including Ryan Lochte and Rowdy Gaines, share these concerns, highlighting the organization's year-long CEO vacancy and deeper structural problems masked by recent successes. The article also notes the unspoken backdrop of ongoing controversies surrounding sexual abuse and athlete safeguarding within USA Swimming and the US Center for SafeSport, further compromising the organization's credibility. With LA 2028 presenting a unique opportunity to inspire a new generation, the lack of clear vision and leadership within USA Swimming raises serious questions about its readiness for the home Olympics.