The first bombshell came courtesy of Italy’s swimming sensation, Thomas Ceccon—and he didn’t hold back. On April 9, the Olympic gold medalist took to social media to react to the latest shake-up from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), dropping a post laced not with sharp words but with sharper emojis! His target? An update to the LA 2028 Olympic swimming program. The next day, none other than Michael Phelps—the most decorated Olympian of all time—added fuel to the fire. He didn’t need many words. A cryptic comment, a raised eyebrow, and the internet exploded. So, what was all the fuss about?

World Aquatics had just announced the addition of six new swimming events for the Los Angeles Games. At first glance, it might sound exciting. More races, more medals, right? But here’s the kicker: all six events are 50-meter sprints—three for men, three for women—in butterfly, backstroke, and breaststroke. Critics say the new lineup turns Olympic swimming into a splash-and-dash festival, rewarding raw speed over endurance or strategy. While some argue it dilutes the prestige of Olympic medals, others believe it’s a move to boost viewership with fast-paced, high-drama races. And where are Michael Phelps’s and Thomas Ceccon’s comments in these classes? Maybe!

On April 10, the ripples turned into full-blown waves when the Baltimore Bullet himself, Michael Phelps, chimed in. Under the LA Olympics’ official Instagram post about the new events, the GOAT dropped a short, stinging comment: “First thing that comes to my mind is… Summer league swimming 🤷🏻‍♂️.” Boom. That was it. Just one sentence, one shrug, and the internet lit up like a starting block countdown.

While some agreed with Phelps, calling the additions a step back from the sport’s strategic and endurance-based roots, others came out swinging. One fan clapped back hard, writing: “Awful take from the 🐐 tbh. 50s are awesome.” And just like that, a war of words broke out in the swimming world. On one side are those who believe Olympic glory should be earned over grueling distances and multiple laps. On the other hand, fans of the fireworks—those who love the 50s for their explosive drama, blink-and-you-miss-it energy, and pure, undiluted speed. Who’s going to win this debate? No idea. But we can check Phelps’s words. Where are they coming from?

Well, some backstories might be helpful. The 50m events (strokes) came in the 2001 World Championships, the first world championship competition in Phelps’s career. However, in his vast career, Phelps didn’t compete in the 50m events of strokes in the world championships. But he was eligible to enter. Pure coincidence or a choice? No idea. However, currently, the swimming fans are divided over Phelps’s and Thomas Ceccon’s words. Need evidence? 

Swimming fans criticize Michael Phelps’s and Thomas Ceccon’s words 

The drama surrounding the new Olympic 50s is swimming’s version of a cannonball into calm waters—splashy, loud, and impossible to ignore. You have seen the previous comment. Now, another offered a more balanced take that nailed the real issue: “I’m not good at 50s, but some are. Bad take on Phelps’ part. I imagine most sprinters don’t see the point of the mile, but that’s my favorite event 🤷‍♀️.” However, it’s all about perspective. Phelps, a long-distance legend known for grueling events like the 200 fly and 400 IM, naturally leans toward endurance. But for others, the 50s are pure adrenaline—explosive, electric, and every bit as valid.

Still, not everyone kept it respectful. One comment, clearly not thrilled with Phelps’ analogy, snapped: “Yeah, summer league has the 200 fly and mile swim, grow up nerd.” Except… let’s hit pause there!

According to Alison Murtagh’s article in Swimming World Magazine, the summer league is all about fun, short races for kids—typically 25s, 50s, maybe the occasional 100. A mile swim in the summer league? That’s about as common as freestyle with fins at the Olympics. In short, no real proof. Meanwhile, Italian star Thomas Ceccon—a world champion in the 50 fly—was just as unimpressed. He shared World Aquatics’ announcement with a cold string of thumbs-down emojis. That’s right, even one of the best in the world in the 50s doesn’t seem thrilled. A fan took notice, saying: “No shot Ceccon, world champ in the 50 fly, doesn’t wanna see that event at the Olympics.” But there’s another side to this pool party.

Some swimmers and fans are backing Phelps and Ceccon. One wrote: “There’s now no difference between Worlds and Olympics. The program is now the same, and the qualification process is still the same.” Another chimed in with a short and snappy take, “50s are not exciting.” So, where does that leave us? Somewhere in between the mix. Between sprint and stamina. But one thing’s for sure—if World Aquatics wanted buzz around LA 2028, they’ve already struck gold.