The public discourse in the aftermath of the United States’ performance at the 2025 World Championships has been loud.
Despite several American swimmers battling a stomach illness throughout the competition, and the U.S. ultimately topping the medal table with nine gold and 29 total medals, the former being more than the previous two World Championships, their performance has received plenty of criticism—though the intent is primarily directed at USA Swimming leadership.
First, 12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte posted a meme on social media that showed a tombstone implying the death of United States swimming, which read, “They set the bar high–until they stopped reaching for it.”
“Call it a funeral, or call it a fresh start. We’ve got three years,” Lochte wrote.
The greatest Olympian of all-time, Michael Phelps, shared the post, commenting: “Is this the wake-up call USA Swimming needed? Let’s find out…..”
Rowdy Gaines, the longtime NBC commentator who himself is a three-time Olympic champion, then came out and publicly criticized the team’s performance, though he was more pointed when discussing USA Swimming and it’s lack of a CEO, calling the organization “rudderless”.
Gaines released an editorial on Wednesday, doubling down on his stance, titling it “Michael Phelps Is Right – And I’m Not Backing Down Either.”
He was referencing what Phelps commented on Lilly King‘s Instagram story (which was reposted as a screenshot by Swim Cellys), with King referencing the public discourse by saying “y’all been real quiet tonight
” after the U.S. performed relatively well to close out the competition.
Phelps’ comment read: “We should be so proud of how the team swam as a whole …. Right? Apologies for having higher expectations for the leadership of the team. My opinions were way off. USAS has what they finally want, me to “stay in my lane”. They will continue to help the kids reach childhood dreams by their continued support 
.”
Things continued on Friday, with USA Swimming interim CEO Bob Vincent releasing a statement in response to the public criticism the team and organization as a whole have received.
Phelps responded again, questioning whether or not the statement was real, and he finished off with: “They’ve shoved us out the door for years. Treated me like a piece of meat through my career. Hopefully it changes someday….”
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? A CALL FOR INPUT
There are a lot of small conversations circulating around the country, on social media, on pool decks, about what moves need to be made to right the USA Swimming ship with less than three years until the LA Olympics.
This is a call for input from SwimSwam readers. A call for specific ideas, concerns, and any other suggestions you might have to turn the organization around.
By creating a space to coalesce all of these small conversations going on, we’re hoping some interesting ideas and ultimately value will come out of it.
Let us know your opinions in the comments below. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Voices who post their opinions under their real name will be elevated.
Blueprint for Sustained U.S. Swimming Dominance
1. Early Talent Identification (Ages 6–12)
• Nationwide Talent Pipeline Network: Partner with age-group clubs, YMCAs, and summer leagues to flag exceptional biomechanics and water feel early—not just raw speed.
• Biomechanical Skill Screening: Portable underwater cameras + AI stroke analysis at local meets to spot kids with world-class movement patterns before puberty.
• Coach Education for Early Stages: Ensure every grassroots coach knows how to spot and develop elite potential without burning kids out.
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2. Development Hubs (Ages 12–18)
• Regional High-Performance Centers:
• Strategically placed across the U.S. (West, Midwest, South, East) with world-class facilities, sports science labs, and Olympic-level coaching.
• Kids train with… Read more »
One comment abut the ongoing search for a new CEO. The committee should be provided funding to pursue a “deep dive” background check on each finalist. It will cost money, but a law firm or other legitimate entity that performs that service needs to be engaged. Doing so protects USAS, and its members, and severely reduces the chance of someone being appointed that has had previous issues and complaints. Braden: good call, and keep it up!
A Clear and Urgent Path Forward for USA Swimming
USA Swimming stands at a critical crossroads. With just three years until the LA 2028 Olympics, there’s no room left for leadership vacuums, vague promises, or surface-level fixes. The loud criticism from legends like Phelps, Lochte, and Gaines isn’t about medals—it’s about deep dysfunction at the top and an urgent need for real, lasting change.
1. Appoint a Permanent, Transparent, and Accountable CEO
USA Swimming cannot function effectively without stable leadership. The ongoing interim CEO situation creates uncertainty and stalls progress. The search for a permanent CEO must be transparent and inclusive, involving stakeholders such as athletes, coaches, club representatives, and families. This person must not only understand the sport… Read more »
Too many words…. This is part of the problem, everyone at the top always making things bureaucratic and political. Let’s focus on the ground level age group swimming) and make it fun and rewarding to compete at high level meets. Maybe subsidize some of the cost to participate in these travel meets and as the most talented and hardworking swimmers move up, provide opportunities to swim with their idols and pass the torch. Maybe consider a professional swim league with a farm system like other major sports in this country. We do some things in this country very well, thinking outside the box and tradition is often what makes the US standout, so why do we seem so hellbent on… Read more »
Just win 🇺🇸 🥇
1. Stop presuming American exceptionalism and study how the French, Germans, Hungarians et al funnel junior talent into excellence centers and train them by having fast kids practice together a lot more often. Do it at the LSC level on a regular basis, not just select camps at the zone or national level once a year.
2. More exposure internationally: expend some budget to get kids out to mare nostrum, sette colli, paris open, etc. Huge props to ISCA for taking their top juniors out to the AP event in UK. More of this and not just a small selection. Need to get more international exposure in open water as well (I am aware usas is sending national team… Read more »
Sorry, late to the convo. It took me some time to catch up on these last two stories and all the great comments. Great job swim swam (Braden) and others for trying to pull the bandaid off. As a former swimmer, current masters swimmer, swimming parent, and parent of multi sport wife and kiddos this all hits dear to my heart. I appreciate hearing and learning from you all. I’m not going to pretend that I have the answers, but in hearing and listening to this I wanted to just give a perspective from my experiences regarding board structure and CEO. I work in an industry that has board members, committees and multiple executives. My industry nationally is struggling mightily… Read more »
Our defeat is twofold. It’s impossible for the US to outrank other nations when we have inadequate professional and developmental programs. What are we supposed to do when the NCAA continues to cut swimming programs and rosters, while enabling international athletes to take up roster spots?
At the same time, more and more countries are developing swim programs. We are facing more competition than we ever have. USA swimming will no longer be a global powerhouse if we do not pivot.
Swimming is getting better and better over the years at removing $$ from parents wallets.
I’d call it highly successful. Who can afford it these days? (And that applies to all youth sports)