On Instagram, Lochte posted a picture of a tombstone inscribed "In Loving Memory of USA Swimming. They once set the standard, until they stopped reaching for it."

The image depicts mourners at a funeral, and Lochte's caption reads, "Call it a funeral, or a beginning. We have 3 years".

Phelps then shared the post, adding, "Is this the wake-up call USA Swimming needs?".

Michael Phelps shared a funeral image, criticizing the USA Swimming team’s performance at the World Championships in Singapore on 2/8.

The former Olympic champions' sarcasm targeted the US team's lackluster start at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.

The US failed to win gold in the first 5 relay events, with the 4x100 medley team even failing to qualify for the final. Their preparation was also criticized as sloppy, with several athletes suffering from food poisoning, affecting their performance in Singapore.

After a faltering start, the US gradually improved. By the end of 2/8, they ranked third overall with 29 medals, including 9 golds. Six of those came from female athletes, while Luca Orlando was the only male individual gold medalist - in the 200m butterfly.

Katie Ledecky continued to demonstrate her dominance by winning her 23rd world title in the 800m freestyle with a time of 8 minutes 5.62 seconds. She also took home gold in the 1500m freestyle and bronze in the 400m freestyle.

Kate Douglass made her mark with a gold medal in the women's 200m breaststroke, breaking both the American and championship records (2 minutes 18.50 seconds). In the women's backstroke events, Katharine Berkoff won gold in the 50m, while Regan Smith took silver in both the 50m and 200m.

Gretchen Walsh (center) wins gold in the women's 50m butterfly at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Photo: *AP*

Gretchen Walsh was one of the standout performers, winning gold in both the 50m and 100m butterfly, and also being part of the team that broke the world record in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Walsh later responded to the criticism from Phelps and Lochte. "I did hear about it and I was really disappointed. But I’m trying to push everything to the side and just focus on racing," she said. "We’ve been through so much that people don’t fully understand. So just being able to race and put my best foot forward and win two world titles means a lot to me. I’m happy I’m back to my normal self in the water".

Lilly King, who reached the 50m backstroke final on 2/8, also took a swipe at the two legends on social media. On Instagram, she posted a picture with the caption: "Y’all real quiet tonight", accompanied by a side-eye emoji.

Michael Phelps poses with all of his Olympic medals. Photo: *Sports Illustrated*

Michael Phelps is considered the greatest Olympian in history, with a total of 28 medals, including 23 golds, across 5 Olympic Games (2000-2016). He also holds multiple world records and has been a symbol of success for USA Swimming for over a decade.

Lochte, one of Phelps' most prominent rivals and teammates, has 12 Olympic medals (6 gold) and has held several world records, particularly in the individual medley. He is also one of the most decorated American athletes at the World Aquatics Championships.

Hong Duy (*The Independent*)