Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Michael Phelps has dominated headlines over the past several days, stirring the international swimming community and making waves far beyond the pool. The most significant development came during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships when Phelps launched a scathing critique of USA Swimming leadership on Instagram, lamenting the organization’s declining performance, poor operational controls, and ineffective athlete support. He pointed to the dismal medal haul at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA’s worst since 1988, and even suggested he’d hesitate to let his own sons join the sport under the current regime. According to AOL Sports, Phelps didn’t just air complaints—he called for an independent review, a new athlete-first approach, and a renewed focus on grassroots development. He offered to be part of the solution, literally writing, My door is open and there is work to be done.

The post came just after a notorious viral share from Ryan Lochte, which depicted a funeral for USA Swimming. Phelps questioned if the 2025 World Championships would be the wake-up call US Swimming needed. Following the Championships, he issued a subtle apology but also doubled down—playfully, on Instagram—when confronted by US Olympian Lilly King who tagged him after the women’s team broke the world record in the mixed 4x100m relay. Phelps replied that he should have stayed in his lane and acknowledged his hope for higher leadership standards, an answer widely interpreted as sarcastic and signaling he may be stepping back as a vocal critic.

USA Swimming is attempting to repair the rift. Swimming World Magazine reported their new CEO, Kevin Ring, made public his intention to contact Phelps immediately, recognizing the Olympic legend’s value not just for his medals but also his insight into improving the sport’s culture and governance.

On the business front, Phelps has been in the spotlight as a major early investor in Unrivaled, the new three-on-three women’s basketball league, which just announced a $340 million valuation after a round led by Bessemer Venture Partners and Serena Williams’ venture company. ESPN notes that Unrivaled nearly broke even in its first season, signaling a paradigm shift in athlete-driven sports leagues. This business acumen has only added to Phelps’ profile as the richest swimmer in the world, with a net worth reported at $100 million by the Times of India, thanks to endorsements, speaking engagements, and his swimwear brand.

Social media remains a Phelps playground. According to Sportskeeda and Yahoo Sports, he’s been rallying behind the Baltimore Ravens during their season opener and answered a viral call from Ravens players asking for swimming lessons, reinforcing his identity as both a local hero and tireless advocate for water safety. His foundation continues its work teaching swim skills, and fans relished his enthusiastic Instagram interactions supporting the team and its athletes.

All told, Phelps remains one of the most influential voices in sports—controversial, bold, and relentlessly active both in front of the camera and in boardrooms—with every move dissected from Instagram stories to front-page news.

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