USA Swimming’s executive director Chuck Wielgus is not a fan of Amanda’s decision to pose for Playboy

As a membership organization that caters primarily to children and teenagers, I don’t feel that the appearance by Ms. Beard in the July issue of Playboy Magazine is an appropriate portrayal of our sport. While we recognize the rights of all athletes to choose how to represent themselves in the media, USA Swimming is committed to promoting a different image of our organization. …

Maybe I missed the memo, but when did Amanda ever declare that her cover was supposed to be an accurate portrayal of the sport of swimming? Oh that’s right. She didn’t. I also don’t believe that Amanda’s intentions were to plant the seed in American age group swimmers’ minds that when they grow up, they should aim for a spot in Playboy. Amanda is making her own path, and any individual with even the slightest shred of common sense should see that what works for one does not necessarily work for others.

We stand by our earlier declarations that Amanda’s cover was amazing for the sport. It got the sports world talking about a swimmer. That is hard to do. After Kate Z. destroyed Janet’s 1500 WR, there was hardly a single mention of it on ESPN. My brother said he saw something, but I didn’t. A Playboy cover may not be the choice act to achieve water cooler discussion, but the sport of swimming in the United States is not in a position to make that call. In short, beggars can’t be choosy! Amanda is knocking that door down the best way she knows how. Swimmers will later on reap the benefits of her actions. Thank the lord for Amanda Beard, the trail blazer!

So, yea. Whatever, Chuck.

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