Michael Phelps mourns beloved Team USA Swimming massage therapist and industry titan Brian Campbell, 68 - Daily Mail

[Alex Raskin]

By ALEX RASKIN

Published: 20:52 GMT, 14 January 2025 | Updated: 21:04 GMT, 14 January 2025


Michael Phelps and many other American swimmers are in mourning this week after the passing of beloved massage therapist and chiropractor, Dr. Brian Campbell.

'So many memories Brian,' the 28-time Olympic medalist wrote on X alongside a photo of himself with Campbell. 'rip buddy.

'Thought and prayers to ur fam,' Phelps continued.

'The stories of ur son… the jokes… 20 years of good times… thank you for being such a good human!'

Phelps' former coach Bob Bowman added: 'We will all miss your smile and positivity. Love you my friend.'

Team USA Swimming announced Campbell's passing on Monday. A cause of death was not revealed.

Campbell has also served with the UCLA Athletic Department for 13 years, working with the swim team as well as the golf, tennis, gymnastics and men's basketball teams.

He worked for 11 years as a massage therapist before getting his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. He also became a master teacher at Touch Therapy Institute, teaching anatomy/physiology, ethics, sports massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and in-office massage.

As for his work with the USA Swimming, Campbell was the head chiropractor and massage therapist for the 2004 US Olympic Swimming team in Athens and continued in that role in 2008 and 2012.

And it wasn't just swimmers honoring Campbell this week.

'Brian Campbell, you brought so much joy to the pool deck and our work rooms,' massage therapist Amy Murry wrote on Instagram. 'It won't be the same without your signature technique.

'I'll miss your old music, older movies, humor and our thoughtful conversations,' she continued. 'You worked hard yet quietly in work and life: sobriety, family and your jobs.

'I'll miss my friend. I am so grateful he's been a part of my life.'

Another massage therapist named Kathy Flippin responded to the post.

'Brian literally gave me my start in working with USA,' she wrote. 'I'm eternally grateful to him for putting up with my endless questions, and seeing a spark of potential in me.

'So humble, no airs, sincere caring, hard work, good fun (so much silly fun!). He showed me by example what Team USA means.

'Shrek,' she continued, using a nickname for Campbell, 'I'm grateful for your presence and gutted by your loss. I know your boy meant the world to you. My heart goes to your family, I hope you can see the legacy you left from way up there.'

Michael Phelps