New Leadership for USA Swimming: Kevin Ring Takes the Helm
Just over a month after swimming legends Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte levied criticism against USA Swimming and over a year following the resignation of former president Tim Hinchey, USA Swimming has appointed a new president and CEO: Kevin Ring. This announcement arrives at a pivotal moment in the world of competitive swimming, particularly with the 2028 Olympics looming on the horizon.
Who is Kevin Ring?
Kevin Ring steps into this significant role after an impressive career in sports management, particularly in the golf sector. Currently the president of golf for Legends—a company that specializes in premium live events—Ring has amassed nearly a decade of experience at PGA of America. He has held prominent roles such as Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, demonstrating a strong aptitude for organizational management and revenue generation.
His background isn’t solely tied to golf; he has also worked with clients across various sports, including Major League Baseball, the U.S. Tennis Association, and Formula 1. Ring’s journey in sports began at IMG, where he contributed to digital sponsorship strategies for the 2002 World Cup, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in different sports environments.
A Sense of Urgency and Community
In a recent announcement video, Ring openly acknowledged his lack of familiarity with the intricacies of swimming but stressed a prevailing sense of urgency in his new role. With the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon, he articulated a strong desire to foster community and unity within USA Swimming.
“While I may be new to swimming, I’ve had the opportunity to work in global sports and membership-driven organizations,” Ring stated. “I’ve seen firsthand how powerful strong community can be when it comes together behind a shared vision. That’s exactly what I want to bring to USA Swimming: clear direction, strong support, and meaningful opportunities for everyone involved in our sport.”
Accelerating Growth and Inclusivity
Ring emphasized the importance of acting swiftly. In his address, he pointed out that the LA28 Games are less than three years away and highlighted the critical need for comprehensive strategies focused on inclusivity and accessibility. His commitment to investing in programs that elevate swimming for national team athletes, age group swimmers, and clubs was clear.
“We don’t have the luxury of time,” Ring added. “The spotlight on our sport has never been brighter. We must move with urgency, with unity and with ambition.”
Addressing Criticism from Swimming Greats
Phelps and Lochte’s sharp critiques of USA Swimming came during a moment of heightened scrutiny; both athletes humorously suggested in a meme that the organization was “dead” due to its slow start at the 2025 World Championships. However, after USA Swimming rebounded to secure the most gold medals in the event, Phelps reiterated his concerns in a subsequent post, emphasizing deficits in leadership and operational controls.
Phelps’s observations were stark: USA Swimming achieved only 44% of the available medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking the lowest success rate since 1988. He cited poor leadership as a significant barrier to success, offering his expertise in restructuring USA Swimming’s approach to athlete support and engagement.
A New Era Amidst Leadership Changes
Ring is stepping into a complex situation, following not only Hinchey’s departure but also the controversial resignation of Chrissi Rawak, who left after failing to disclose a SafeSport report during her hiring process. In the interim, USA Swimming has navigated through leadership with two acting CEOs, Shana Ferguson and Bob Vincent, both of whom had temporary tenures.
With the official start date set for September 17, Ring’s mandate will center on expanding membership from grassroots levels while driving revenue growth, which will be vital for a sport taking center stage at the upcoming Olympics.
As USA Swimming looks to revitalizing its image and performance in competitive swimming, the combination of Ring’s experienced leadership and the clarion calls for reform from stalwarts like Phelps and Lochte may set the stage for a transformative period.