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Michael Phelps' Former Olympics Swimming Coach Dead At 68

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 2:43 PM ET

Legendary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps received heartbreaking news this week. Brian Campbell, the longtime massage therapist for USA Swimming, has passed away at the age of 68.

Campbell was the Team USA massage therapist for the Summer Games in 2004, 2008 and 2012. He also helped out the national team for the World Championships and Pan Pacific Championships. In addition to being a big part of Team USA, he was the massage therapist for the UCLA swimming and diving teams.

On Monday night, Phelps shared a selfie of him and Campbell on his Instagram Story along with a heartfelt caption.

"So many memories Brian... rip buddy," Phelps wrote. "Thoughts and prayers to ur fam. The stories of ur son... the jokes... 20 years of good times... thank you for being such a good human!"

Campbell may have not received the glory from the national media, but he played a role in Phelps' journey to becoming the most decorated Olympian.

Phelps isn't the only former U.S. swimmer grateful for Campbell. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin had some beautiful words to share about the longtime massage therapist.

"Absolutely heartbroken by this news. Brian served on every team I was on. He was the kind, calm presence that I needed before every major race," Coughlin said. "The nicest human and I’m eternally grateful for what he did for me as well as the National Team as a whole."

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 12: Michael Phelps of the United States prepares to compete in the Men's 100m Butterfly Final on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

USA Swimming also issued a statement about Campbell's death.

"We are saddened to hear about the recent loss of renowned Team USA massage therapist and chiropractor, Brian Campbell," the statement read. "He served American swimmers for decades on the pool decks of numerous Olympic Games and World Championships. We send our gratitude to Brian for his years of service to our sport, and our thoughts to the friends, family, and athletes who knew him."

Campbell, who studied at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, was one of the most renowned massage therapists in his field. There's no question that he had a huge impact on so many athletes' lives.

Our thoughts are with Campbell's loved ones at this time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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