USA Swimming, the largest swimming organization in the world, specifically recommended Ian McLeod as the author of Swimming Anatomy. McLeod has extensive experience working with world-class athletes, particularly swimmers. A certified athletic trainer and certified massage therapist, he was a member of the U.S. team's medical staff at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. He has also worked extensively as an athletic trainer with the sports programs at the University of Virginia and Arizona State University.
McLeod remains deeply involved with USA Swimming's High Performance Network, a group of volunteer health professionals who support U.S. swimmers at national and international meets. He has been given the organization's highest honor, the Gold Standard Award. McLeod also served as massage therapist to the Egyptian national swim team during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. He has provided athletic training and sport massage to swimming stars such as Ed Moses, Kaitlin Sandeno, Natalie Coughlin, and Jason Lezak.
McLeod lives in Tempe, Arizona, with his wife and two children.
