Called Out: The USA Swimming Leadership Bubble with Demands for Transparent Reform from Michael Phelps and Gold Medal Mel (SwimSwam's Mel Stewart)

Reforming USA Swimming: A Blueprint for Transparency, Athlete Services, and Grassroots Growth In episode #49 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we amplify and break down the growing, explosive, criticism of USA Swimming from Michael Phelps and SwimSwam publisher, Mel Stewart. They, among many others, are exposing a leadership crisis that threatens the sport's future. Phelps points to the steep drop in U.S. Olympic medal share (57% → 44%) and blames weak board governance. He presents a coalition‑backed, three‑step reform plan: independent board review, athlete‑first services, and grassroots growth. Stewart labels the "Colorado Springs bubble," highlighting excessive executive pay, stagnant athlete stipends, and a complacent financial safety net. The board's reaction—including a CEO bonus after a failed software rollout and registration decline—is dissected as misdirection and avoidance. Concrete solutions are proposed: cap top‑executive salaries, tie bonuses to clear KPIs that also raise coach and athlete compensation, and prioritize grassroots revitalization. Links SwimSwam editorial Full statement from Michael Phelps