Just yesterday, World Aquatics announced the addition of the stroke 50s to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games. The most decorated Olympian of all-time Michael Phelps shared his opinion as a comment on SwimSwam’s Instagram post saying, “Makes me feel like this is summer league🤷🏻♂️”
Phelps retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics and ended his career with 28 total Olympic medals, including 23 gold. In addition to his Olympic success, Phelps also was successful at the World Championship level.
The stroke 50s were notably added for the 2001 World Championships, which was Phelps’ first World Championship competition. Phelps did not compete in any 50s of stroke at 2001 Worlds or any other World Championship, though he would have been eligible because of his individual spot in the 100 fly (which is historically how USA Swimming has chosen the 50 meter stroke entries at Worlds).
Phelps is one of the first athletes to speak up that is against the addition of the stroke 50s to the Olympics. Italy’s Thomas Ceccon, who notably won the 50 fly LCM World Championship title in 2023, posted thumbs down on his Instagram story yesterday with the announcement.
Athletes that have commented in favor of the addition include Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, Michael Andrew of the US, and Adam Peaty of Great Britain.
The 50 free is fun to watch – it’s just an all-out dash from one end of the pool to the other. But now adding six more “races” – which will last about 24 seconds each – seems like overkill. There are enough swimming events now, no need for more. At this rate, the Olympic Swim Trials in 2028 will run longer than the entire Olympics!
I don’t think adding races that “will last about 24 seconds each” will really make much change to how long the Olympics will take. However they definitely will be interesting to watch. There are many people who can only sprint 50s, this is there chance to show people how fast they can go.
I don’t know why people are hating so much on the 50s. A bunch of people I know are excited about this even though they aren’t swimmers. I think this will make 2028 more interesting, it’s always fun to have some very fast paced events. It can’t hurt to try the 50s. If no one likes them they could always take them out.
Always the “best,” NEVER the fastest. Not even close.
His take is no surprise. He values things he could win, and devalues achievements he could never sniff.
The dilution of medals continues!
We will keep amazing young athletes in swimming who otherwise would leave the sport. I could be wrong, but this will also bring more money to the sport by sponsors.
some may say this is a cynical take but honestly its probably good for the sport for phelps to say this and create some extra controversy storylines for the next quad heading into LA
Predictable comment from someone who, despite being one of the most versatile and complete swimmers ever:
Stroke 50s have their own science and specific training just like the 50 free and every other event.
I never quite understood the pretentious lobbying of a part of the community that always shunned this addition and relegated them as lesser events. This will also make them more competitive at Worlds
Of course this will require a review of the schedule. Is adding one more day the end of the world? If athletics has 11 days, why can’t swimming have 10?
Which swimming fan wouldn’t want to… Read more »
I mean it’s understandable… he broke Spitz’ record of 7 golds (36 years later) without the need for a rule change which let him compete in more events.
Now the addition of the 800 free, mixed relay and 50s of stroke (20 years after Beijing) will make it SIGNIFICANTLY easier (although still extremely unlikely) for his record to be broken in a shorter amount of time.
OF COURSE Michael Phelps is going to be against this, and he has every right to be.
Mixed relay felt much more like an odd addition to me and is much more prone to screw up all athletes’ planning for the individuals
Put the 50s into a pentathlon: Fly, Back, Br, Free and Underwater Five individual races. Fastest Total time scored.
Two events as M & W of course.
That’s actually a pretty good idea…👏
Fans would get to know the swimmers throughout the duration of the events / races.
I’d go with the usual 4. My children did them a couple of times, and really enjoyed them.