Does USA Swimming Have a Racism Problem? A Conversation with Dr. Johanna Mellis

Crossing The Lane Lines

Many individuals in the swimming world condemned Olympian Klete Keller’s active participation in the insurrection at our Nation’s capital on January 6th. However, USA Swimming’s tepid response to a former member’s actions, that many considered seditious, were met with disillusionment and anger within the Black swim community. After last summer’s protests concerning the lynching of George Floyd, and a country divided, one wonders if USA Swimming is really serious about addressing issues in house. We’ll speak to historian, former D1 swimmer, and elite level swim coach, Dr. Johanna Mellis about Keller, the media, mental health, and whether or not USA Swimming has a racism problem.