Singapore (AFP) – Three-time Olympic champion Bobby Finke said Sunday that criticism of the United States swimming squad at the world championships in Singapore was “weak” and “stupid.” The US have endured a trying week after officials said that an “overwhelming majority” of the team were struck down by acute gastroenteritis at a pre-championships camp in Thailand. With expectations sky-high back home and Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympics, that triggered accusations of poor management in some quarters.
Six-time Olympic gold medallist Ryan Lochte on Friday shared an image on Instagram depicting a funeral that featured a tombstone inscribed: “In loving memory of United States Swimming.” “They set the bar high — until they stopped reaching for it,” the inscription says, Lochte adding the caption: “Call it a funeral or call it a fresh start. We’ve got 3 years.” Phelps, who counts a stunning 23 gold among his 28 Olympic medals, shared Lochte’s post, adding: “Is this the wake-up call USA swimming needed?” Retired swimmer and commentator Rowdy Gaines also weighed in, calling the American swimmers in Singapore “entitled.”
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Finke, the Tokyo and Paris Olympic champion in the 1,500m freestyle, hit back on the final day of the competition in Singapore. “Someone wants to say our swimmers are entitled, that’s just the dumbest thing I’ve personally ever heard,” world record holder Finke said after winning bronze in the 1,500m freestyle. “I think that’s a weak statement. There’s just so much stupid stuff that’s getting said,” said Finke, who also won the 800m free in Tokyo. “They have zero clue the kind of teamwork we have behind the scenes and how well we’re being put together.”
The Americans finished the competition on top of the medal table with nine golds, one more than second-place Australia. They arrived in Singapore with several young swimmers in their squad and Finke said they “stepped up” and delivered. “You’re never going to win with those people,” he said of the team’s critics. “I have a lot of thoughts. My brain has been spiralling. I’m just disappointed in that community and I’m going to back these boys no matter what they say.”
© 2024 AFP
