Splashbacks 2022 (May-June): Teri McKeever Abuse Allegations Occupy Headlines; Caeleb Dressel Leaves World Champs

Splashbacks (May-June): Teri McKeever Abuse Allegations Occupy Headlines; Caeleb Dressel Leaves World Champs

A new year is around the corner and if 2023 is anything like the past 12 months, there will be plenty to discuss and follow. Over the last year, the sport witnessed its share of standout performances, some controversy, the emergence of new stars and a jam-packed competition calendar.

Keeping with tradition, Swimming World will wrap up the 2022 campaign with its annual series titled, Splashbacks. Through six installments that are broken into two-month periods, we will revisit some of the biggest (and most-read) stories from the past year.

Here is a look at the leading stories from May and June.

1. World Coaches Association Releases Position On Transgender Swimming

The WSCA has a responsibility to look after the best interests of its athletes, and it released a statement in May which focused on fairness in women’s swimming. The WSCA took the position that the competitive balance of women’s swimming cannot be ensured with transgender athletes, though the group maintained its commitment to find a way to include transgender swimmers, perhaps in an open category.

2. World Championships: Annie Lazor Disqualification Upheld

After Annie Lazor was disqualified for a non-simultaneous leg movement in the semifinals of the 100-meter breaststroke at the World Championships, the United States contested the ruling. However, the original decision was upheld, and Lazor was locked out of the final in Budapest, with teammate Lilly King getting the final bid.

3. At What Cost? The Details of Teri McKeever Saga Are Chilling

As details emerged concerning the abuse of athletes by coach Teri McKeever at Cal-Berkeley, followers of the sport were left stunned by some of the accusations. In this commentary, Senior Writer David Rieder wrote about the anxiety, suicidal thoughts and depression that some athletes experienced as McKeever allegedly oversaw an unhealthy environment.

4. Day After Report On Teri McKeever Conduct, Cal Swimmers Walk Out

The day after a report on abusive behavior by Cal women’s coach Teri McKeever surfaced, members of the Golden Bears walked out of practice. The actions by the athletes reflected their concerns with McKeever’s conduct and sent a message to the administration at the university.

5. World Championships: Caeleb Dressel Out For Remainder Of the Meet

Although he had several events left on his program, American star Caeleb Dressel withdrew from the World Championships. It was later revealed that the decision concerned Dressel’s mental health. Since stepping away in Budapest, Dressel has not yet returned to competition and there is no timeline for if, and when, he will be back.

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