Michael Phelps launches scathing assault on ‘failing’ USA Swimming | Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps has launched a scathing assault on USA Swimming’s management, with the 23-times Olympic gold medallist branding the physique weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organizational decline.

“I’ve watched too many teammates struggle to compete in a sport they love without the support they need,” Phelps, who retired from aggressive swimming in 2016, wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “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.

The 40-year-old, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he may not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the United States.

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Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, was “told to be grateful for the chance to compete” and that it was extra vital to remain quiet and to maintain the peace.

“First, I must be clear that I have the utmost respect for the US swimmers that competed at the World Championships,” Phelps, who retired in 2016, wrote.

“My criticism is in no way directed at them – I know how hard they work and how honoured they are to represent the US National Team. My criticism is about the system, its leadership, and how it’s failing. There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I’ve seen those cracks grow.”

Phelps volunteered to assist deal with the problems he raised, and likewise proposed a number of options, together with elevated help of younger swimmers and an prioritizing the wants of elite swimmers over coaches.

“My door is open and there is work to be done,” he wrote.

Phelps his not the one US swimmer to criticize the group lately. During the latest world championships, Phelps’s former teammates, Ryan Lochte, posted a picture of a mock funeral for USA Swimming.

Phelps in contrast the success of the US swim workforce on the Rio Olympics in 2016, the place they received 33 medals, to the Paris Games final 12 months after they slumped to their lowest medal haul within the pool (28) because the 2004 Games in Athens.