The US swimming team, historically a powerhouse, is facing a new reality at the 2024 Paris Olympics: a world catching up and surpassing them. While American stars are still in the mix, they're often settling for silver or bronze, or even missing out on medals altogether.
Lilly King, the world record holder in the 100-meter breaststroke and a Rio 2016 gold medalist, tied for fourth place in Paris, a significant drop from her usual podium finishes. "The last 35 meters were very hard," King said, expressing her frustration. "Whoever falls apart the least will win the race." Her experience is not an isolated case, as other US swimmers are experiencing similar struggles.
The Australians, long-time rivals, have already claimed more gold medals than the US in Paris. Canada, China, France, Great Britain, and Italy are also outperforming the strongest American swimmers in the pool.
"Really the parity internationally, it's really competitive right now," said Ryan Murphy, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter backstroke. He himself only managed bronze in Paris. "The learning curve is so quick around the world. There are so many talented athletes."
The US has only secured two gold medals so far in swimming, in the men's 4-by-100-meter freestyle relay and the women's 100-meter butterfly.
The rise of new global talent, like Ariarne Titmus of Australia (world record holder in the 400-meter freestyle and Paris gold medalist), Summer McIntosh of Canada (17-year-old 400-meter individual medley gold medalist), and Leon Marchand of France (dominant 400-meter individual medley champion), has pushed the US out of the spotlight.
"I don't think it's about how strong Team USA is or how weak we are. I think it's just a point of how much the sport has grown," said American swimmer Bobby Finke, who won silver in the men's 800-meter freestyle after defending his gold medal in Tokyo.
The US swimming team's decline in dominance has been a gradual process, beginning with Michael Phelps' retirement in 2016. His 23 Olympic gold medals had a significant impact on the global balance of power in the sport.
The rise of international talent has also been aided by increased information sharing. Swimmers now readily share their training techniques, diet tips, and rest strategies online, leveling the playing field.
Adding to the globalisation of swimming, many elite swimmers from around the world, like McIntosh and Marchand, train and compete in the US. McIntosh trains with Brent Arckey in Florida, while Marchand competed for Arizona State University and now trains with Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps' former coach.
"He's got the speed, he's got the endurance. He's not even reached his potential," Bowman said about Marchand, acknowledging the Frenchman's potential.
While the US may not be as dominant in the pool as they once were, American swimmers are taking this shift as an opportunity to improve. "I'm always bullish on the U.S.'s future medal chances," said Ryan Murphy. "I would say it's desirable," he added, suggesting that the competition will push the US to become stronger.
The Paris Olympics are far from over, and the US swimming team is still poised to claim more gold medals. The future of swimming, however, looks increasingly diverse and competitive. The era of US dominance might be over, but the future of the sport promises to be exciting.
