Rowdy Gaines Calls USA Swimming Overhaul Amid Leadership Vacuum, Athlete Illnesses

Three-time Olympic gold medalist and NBC swimming analyst Rowdy Gaines has voiced serious concerns about the current state of USA Swimming amid the U.S. team's struggles at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore. Gaines criticized the organization for operating nearly a year without a full-time CEO, describing it as "rudderless" and comparing the situation to a corporation functioning without leadership. The American team faced significant challenges, including an illness outbreak at a training camp in Thailand, which affected most swimmers and undermined their performance. While Gaines expressed optimism about national team director Greg Meehan's potential to lead positive change, he noted Meehan inherited a difficult situation and stressed the importance of preparing strategically for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Gaines also highlighted issues such as athlete entitlement and questioned the choice of Thailand as a training location, calling for a more focused and transformed approach within USA Swimming. Despite these setbacks, Gaines believes in the promise of young American swimmers but insists substantial organizational reforms are urgently needed.