Michael Phelps, the legendary Olympian with 28 medals including 23 gold, recently expressed his disappointment with the performance of Team USA’s swimmers at the 2024 Olympics. In an interview with USA Today on August 5, Phelps candidly shared his dissatisfaction with the overall results, despite acknowledging a few standout performances, notably Bobby Finke’s gold medal and world record in the 1500-meter freestyle.
Phelps emphasized the need for greater preparedness for future competitions, particularly the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He noted that other countries are increasingly matching the performance levels traditionally associated with Team USA. This growing global competition means that American swimmers will need to adapt and improve their strategies to maintain their leading edge.
Phelps also expressed hope that a new swimmer will emerge to challenge and potentially break his Olympic records. He remarked on how people once viewed his achievements as unattainable, and he hopes that his success will inspire future athletes to push beyond perceived limits. For Phelps, the breaking of records serves as a source of motivation and a benchmark for future competitors.
Despite Phelps’ criticism, Team USA still achieved notable success at the Paris Olympics, setting three world records and winning a total of 28 medals, including eight golds. Swimmers like Katie Ledecky and Torri Huske contributed significantly to the medal haul, with Ledecky securing four golds and Huske three. This performance was the best overall, surpassing all other countries in the medal count.
The coaches of Team USA, including women’s head coach Todd DeSorbo and men’s head coach Anthony Nesty, expressed pride in their team’s achievements. DeSorbo acknowledged the challenges faced, such as a “slow pool,” but highlighted the Olympic records set by the team and the top placement in medal standings. Nesty reflected on the team’s resilience and improvement over the course of the meeting, emphasizing the ongoing quest for better performance and the ability to overcome setbacks.
