Michael Phelps continued to criticize the US swimming after a series of poor achievements recently.
The legendary American fishermen Michael Phelps posted a long article on the Instagram social network targeting the leadership of the American swimming and expressed hesitation in giving their sons to the diving karma.
The athletes who won 23 Olympic gold medals, criticized the weakness of the US swimming management and requested the deep reforms after many years of the organization’s decline: “I have witnessed too many teammates struggling to play in a sports they love without the necessary support.”
He also pointed out that the US swimming is having difficulty in attracting the number of members like before the pandemic.
Phelps said his disappointment had originated from his career. Given that he often feels his voice is not heard and keeping silent to keep the air is more important.
“First, I deeply respected the US swimming athletes who played at the world championship. My criticism didn’t target them – I know how hard they worked and what they were honored when representing the national team.
I sent to the leadership, who made things bad. There are always holes in the system for the past 9 years and it is increasingly visible, ”he wrote on Instagram.
He pointed out that in Rio, the US team won 57% of the possible medals, while in Paris this figure was only 44%, the lowest rate since the 1988 Olympic Games.
Phelps’ criticism came after him and his former teammate Ryan Lochte expressed disappointment about the US team’s performance at the World Championship by posting a meme on Instagram. Lochte posted an image of a fake funeral for USA Swimming.
Phelps is not the only US swimming athlete criticizing the organization recently. Swimming comments and also a legend, Rowdy Gaines, also made public criticism.
In response to criticisms, the USA Swimming CEO (USA Swimming), Mr. Bob Vincent stated: “We respect and appreciate the opinion of Rowdy, Michael, Ryan and all the former USA Swimming members. We admit that their comments come from our passion and desire to see our success.”
The legend of Michael Phelps has proposed a number of solutions, including enhancing support for young swimmers and prioritizing the needs of excellent fishermen rather than coaches.