At the 2024 Paris Olympics, American swimmers faced an unexpected challenge as young athletes from Australia and Canada surged ahead in key events. The swimming events were marked by a palpable sense of disappointment for Team USA. For the first time in years, it seems that American dominance in the pool is under serious threat, raising questions about the future of U.S. swimming.

American veteran swimmer Caeleb Dressel experienced a heartbreaking setback, failing to defend his titles in the 100-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle events. Although the swimming dynamo, Katie Ledecky, bagged medals, the highlight of the women’s events was Australia’s Ariarne Titmus. And now, the unsatisfactory performance from the U.S. swimming team has left the legend, Michael Phelps, disappointed and strained.

Michael Phelps did not mince words as he stated his honest response to the performance of the U.S. athletes in swimming. “For me as a whole I was pretty disappointed to see the U.S. swimming results”, expressed Phelps, stating his disappointment over the US swimmers’ performances. Phelps also noted the landscape of swimming is evolving, and the U.S. must adapt quickly to regain its foothold at the top. He said, “One of the thing that I’ve always said for the last couple of years is that the rest of the world is catching up. I think, a lot of the things, that we’ve done as a country for so long the other people are catching up. They are doing the same thing. Hopefully we’re able to make that transition leading into 2028.”

Besides sharing his dissatisfaction with the US swimming team, Phelps also reflected on what kind of performance he has been looking forward to. Keeping his displeasure aside, Phelps stated that Bobby Finke had truly won his heart with a marvelous record-breaking swim. Michael Phelps referred to Finke’s performance as a ‘standout’ swim. Speaking his heart out, Phelps wholeheartedly praised Finke. “Bobby Finke’s swimming was unbelievable. I have chills right now talking about it. That was one of the greatest swims in the Olympics, in my opinion. Being able to break the world record in the matter that he did it. Just taking it out, challenging the other guys, just to make a move. He was prepared”, said a proud Phelps. 

However, he also stated that he hopes that the rest of the team members will be as prepared as Finke has been in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and make the home crowd proud. A hopeful Phelps added, “Hopefully the other athletes are more prepared going in 2028.”

After ups and downs for Ledecky and Dressel, Phelps hopes for US swimmers to aim for redemption at LA 2028 Olympics

The most celebrated American female swimming icon too faced barriers in remaining undefeated this Olympics. Holding 21 golds from the Worlds and seven Olympic golds before embarking on the Paris quest, Katie Ledecky has always been a masterclass. However, in the 400-meter freestyle, Ledecky was pushed down to the third position by Australian powerhouse Ariarne Titmus and Canada’s star Summer McIntosh. In the women’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay too the US women’s team failed to grab the gold, however, they made sure to secure a silver to make their nation proud. However, Ledecky did not take long to get back to form and secure two back-to-back golds in women’s 800-meter and 1500-meter freestyle.

On the other hand, American fans have been left disheartened by the performance of the phenomenal Caeleb Dressel as he could not secure any individual medals in the disciplines he does best. In both 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly Dressel failed to defend his title. While he finished in the sixth position in the 50-meter freestyle, Dressel could not secure a place in the list of athletes for the final in the 100-meter fly. Dressel himself has reflected on his performance and stated, “Obviously it’s not my best work”.

However, Dressel has helped his team to win two golds and one silver in the relays. With the next Olympics in 2028 to happen in the United States, the urgency for American swimmers to rise to the occasion has never been more critical. The world is closing in, and Team USA must regroup, and elevate its game to reclaim its status as the dominant force in swimming. Just like Phelps, the American fans too would hope for the revival of the team before they return stronger for the next Olympics.