Ryan Lochte: It’s a great honour to become part of history

“Every time I am about to start I don’t think about the medals I’ve won because they are history. I try to live in the present and look into the future. Thus, every day I come to the pool I make my body work. A lot of athletes aim at gold here, and I hope I will be among the main contenders for gold,” Ryan Lochte said humbly during a pre-event press conference earlier. It looks like he’s quite good at predicting the future.

On August 3 the top star of the US national team celebrated his 31st birthday. Russian fans presented him with his portrait, the simmer said at a press conference that took place after the men’s 200m individual medley event.

Before taking questions from reporters, Lochte made a speech in which he shared his impression of a triumphant race.

“I’m definitely really humbled with my win. Hopefully I got the ball rolling for Team USA along with Katie Ledecky. I started swimming at the same age as her. It’s a great honour for me to become part of history. It’s one of the greatest things that can happen to an athlete. I can say that my feelings today match those I experienced after beating the world record in 2011,” the American swimmer said.

The next question was related to his new approach to touching the wall and doing a flip turn. Lochte was also asked what other techniques he’s going to use in the future.

“We’ll have to rename it the Ryan Lochte turn; it had so much press coverage. I’m going to keep doing this turn until I get disqualified. Me and my coach came up with it three weeks ago and I’ve only been practicing it for two weeks.  It makes sense because I found out that I swim faster under water on my back,” Lochte commented.

“How do you explain the fact that the US swimming legacy is continuously refreshed and a new champion emerges right after another?” reporters also asked.

“You have to just trust your coach. If you believe in them and put your trust in the programme you are developing together, you know what you need to do and coaches know what they need to do. We need to keep in mind that the sport is constantly changing. The coach monitors the sport and can always give you a good piece of advice. I’m 31 and I’m still learning to this day. I learn about new techniques, new aspects of swimming. I’m still learning and this is how it works,” the American swimmer explained.

He also revealed that 18-time Olympic champion and American swimming legend, Michael Phelps, text messaged him to say he wanted Lochte to give some leadership to Team USA.

“When Michael says anything like this to you, you should take it to heart. He is the best swimmer there has ever been. He was right; I had to get Team USA going. Ledecky’s win also helped to inspire us. She’s phenomenal; whenever she steps into the water she breaks a record. My result and her wins should inspire us all for future victoriews,” the swimmer said.

Ryan Lochte will miss the Moscow leg of the FINA/airweave Swimming World Cup but he will take part in its second leg that will be held in Paris. Therefore, fans should better take care of their tickets in advance. 

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships