Overview
- In a newly published Whoop Podcast interview, the 23-time Olympic champion said he does not want his children to enter the sport after what he experienced on the U.S. team.
- He described long struggles with depression and anxiety and said his identity was reduced to results during his peak years.
- Phelps criticized USA Swimming for taking 372 days to hire a new chief executive, citing a leadership vacuum heading into Los Angeles 2028.
- He warned that U.S. dominance in the pool is no longer assured as Australia and other nations have narrowed the gap.
- He said he offered to help the national team’s transition but was not taken up on it, and he now leans on a private support network that includes Dwayne Johnson.