Swimming has always been one of the major draws in Olympic competitions! It’s a sport that has had a steady stream of youngsters in the sport locally, and it will continue to draw kids because of its high-profile status.
Ryan Lochte, an 11-time Olympic medalist, is one of the sport’s biggest stars. At the 2010 World Championships, Lochte won the most gold medals ever! In 2012, he won the most medals in history at the Short Course World Championships and was named “Swimmer of the Meet.” He currently holds all of the Short Course IM Records! Now, he is gearing up for another successful run in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Speedo Philippines helped give The Philippine STAR some insights on the supertanker.
STAR: You’ve been competing for so long, are you surprised at your longevity?
RYAN LOCHTE: I love it! I’m having so much fun with the sport, hopefully I can still continue to compete. When I stop having fun, that’s when I’ll hang up my Speedo! I just take it one year at a time. I’ve had so many goals for myself in swimming and that’s what keeps me coming back to the pool.
Will you retire after the Rio Olympics?
As I’ve said, I’m still having fun! When I competed in Beijing (2008), I felt like I didn’t reach my full potential. So after another four-year cycle in London, I saw that I still had more to give, that’s why I’m going to Rio. But I’m still having fun, so I don’t see myself quitting soon. I may not be the fastest guy out there now, but I’m having fun and enjoying the moment, so I’ll keep swimming.
Are you happy with your performance this year?
Compared to last year, I’ll give myself an A-plus! I wasn’t there mentally and physically. This year is totally different. But since I haven’t trained fully last year, it’s affected my performance this year. So, honestly, maybe a C-minus. I’m my biggest critic so I feel I still have a lot to improve on for 2016.
Will the presence of stars like (Michael) Phelps and (Kosuke) Hagino in Rio push you?
I know that they will be training hard for Rio so I’m gonna have to step up my game and push myself to the limits my competitors won’t go.
Michael (Phelps) coming back is definitely a challenge!
I know how hard he’s been working. So going into next year, I’m definitely going to keep that in the back of my head. I’m going to have to out-train my competitors. It’s going to take some special things to work out, special things out of the water, but I think I’m ready for it.
At the recent World Championships, you gave away your gold medal to a fan . . .
When we were taking pictures, I saw this kid who was smiling and cheering for our team, so I went over and put it on him! Seeing that big smile, that beats winning the gold medal!
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