It took 10 days for the US men’s swimming squad to earn individual gold at the Paris Olympics, despite the presence of big names. Although the 120-year-long record was saved on the shore at last, it did not manage to bring a smile to Michael Phelps’ face. The 23-time Olympic champion questioned the preparation level of the American squad when “the other people are catching up.” The Baltimore Bullet wants to see a transition in the way leading to the 2028 LA Olympics. Will his wishes be fulfilled? Yes, an American swimming legend agrees with that.

Rather, he finds that USA Swimming is in excellent hands, and a vital cog has come out of this Olympics, in fact. He has taken a few more names from the current crops that might play a defining role in bringing about the transition. 

Some young Turks may hoist Michael Phelps’ flag 

Away from the swimming pools, Rowdy Gaines is famous for his sharp analysis of the sport. He recently had Rich Roll join him on the latter’s YouTube podcast. Meanwhile, the three-time Olympic champion discussed the current American swimming prospects, and he sounded hopeful. “The men are gonna be just fine. It’s a young team,” he responded, diminishing Michael Phelps’ disappointment at the performance. Instead, he placed his hopes on swimmers like Thomas Heilman and Maximus Williamson, who are expected to peak in the next four years and become key players in the USA vs. the world swimming showdown at the LA Olympics. Notably, the 17-year-old Thomas Heilman earned a silver medal in the men’s 4x100m medley at the Paris Olympics.

Rowdy named a few more factors that would go with the American side. While talking about Team USA’s swimming performance at the Paris Olympics, Michael Phelps wanted to look forward. At the LA Olympics, he wants to see a few more like Bobby Finke. As per the legend, the 1500m gold medalist in the men’s category was “prepared” to take on his challengers. Rowdy picks the entire team on that scale, however, and displays his hope. “I think in four years, the men are gonna set, be set up really well for LA,” he asserted. In the meantime, the swimming Hall of Famer elevated the home condition to work in Team USA’s favor in LA. Overall, Rowdy Gaines is not on Michael Phelps’ side to take a harsh call. And he has several more reasons that he didn’t name. 

Katie Ledecky shows the exact swimming picture 

With her 14 medals, Katie Ledecky came out as the most decorated female swimmer at the Paris Olympics. She had two golds from the 800m and 1500m free events, where she could hardly face any challenge. That joy remained dominant when she responded, “Well, USA Swimming came out on top on the medal count once again. Both the gold and the total medal count were very happy with that outcome.” Her words reflect reality, as Team USA swimmer Torri Huske stands in second place with her five medals among the most decorated athletes at the Paris Olympics. But the 27-year-old does not miss calling out the need for improvement. 

“But yeah, the rest of the world is getting faster, and it’s pushing all of us. And, you know, everyone is learning how to train in different ways and get faster. I think there’s more specificity in terms of events and what people are focusing on, so it just creates really good competition,” she stated. Still, there are some concerns, as Leon Marchand tops the same list, matching Torri’s achievements. The difference is that he secured four consecutive individual gold medals, surpassing any American male swimmer at this Olympics. A warning call? Perhaps, but Rowdy Gaines remains hopeful.