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Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim GuideAuthor: ISCA
A thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the intersection of sports, technology, and human potential. Heavy Or Not delves deeper into social issues, such as access to sports, cost of wellness, the impact of technology, and the importance of community engagement. Heavy Or Not incorporates the evolving role of A.I. in sports training, exploring both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this technology. The show integrates valuable educational content on swimming techniques, water safety, and environmental issues, making it more than just a sports drama. From the gritty pools of Pittsburgh to the ambitious rebuild of the Salmon Arm Aquatic Centre in BC, Canada, to the elite ISCA meets of Florida, this inspiring series follows a diverse cast of coaches and swimmers as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of competitive swimming. Language: en-us Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Sports, Swimming Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Called Out: The USA Swimming Leadership Bubble with Demands for Transparent Reform from Michael Phelps and Gold Medal Mel (SwimSwam's Mel Stewart)
Episode 49
Saturday, 16 August, 2025
Reforming USA Swimming: A Blueprint for Transparency, Athlete Services, and Grassroots Growth In episode #49 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we amplify and break down the growing, explosive, criticism of USA Swimming from Michael Phelps and SwimSwam publisher, Mel Stewart. They, among many others, are exposing a leadership crisis that threatens the sport’s future. Phelps points to the steep drop in U.S. Olympic medal share (57% → 44%) and blames weak board governance. He presents a coalition‑backed, three‑step reform plan: independent board review, athlete‑first services, and grassroots growth. Stewart labels the “Colorado Springs bubble,” highlighting excessive executive pay, stagnant athlete stipends, and a complacent financial safety net. The board’s reaction—including a CEO bonus after a failed software rollout and registration decline—is dissected as misdirection and avoidance. Concrete solutions are proposed: cap top‑executive salaries, tie bonuses to clear KPIs that also raise coach and athlete compensation, and prioritize grassroots revitalization. Links SwimSwam editorial Full statement from Michael Phelps
