“I was made aware, and it’s frustrating, but I think that personally, I am just trying to block it out and take on the meet with everything I can and just show up and race like I know how.
“I think we’ve been dealing with a lot, so it’s hard to get the criticism in the first place because I don’t think people quite understand the magnitude of everything going on behind the scenes.
“But showing up, giving my best, and coming out a world champion twice now has been everything, and I’m just happy to keep doing it and happy that I’m feeling like myself again in the water.”
US TOPS MEDAL STANDINGS
The US tops the medal standings with eight golds, one ahead of rivals Australia, with one final day of competition to come. The US have won only one individual gold in the men’s events, Luca Urlando claiming the 200 butterfly title.
Jack Alexy, who was part of the team that won the mixed 4×100 mixed freestyle gold in a world record time on Saturday, said US athletes were always held to the highest of standards.
“It’s definitely fuel to the fire for the next couple years,” added Alexy, who also has a silver and two bronze medals from his events in Singapore.
“And the theme going into this meet was setting off the tone right for LA 2028. So I think we’re continuing to do a better job at that, especially after tonight, and I’m really excited for the future.”
