Ryan Lochte

Ryan Lochte has rose to new popularity in the past year or so in his success in the Olympics. He is an eleven-time gold medalist (five gold, three silver, three bronze). He individually has the world record in the 200 I.M. (meter and yards), and 400 I.M. (yards). Another record he has includes the 800 free relay. Ryan is not only great at I.M.'s, but he also specializes in backstroke and freestyle. Awards he has won include World Swimmer of the Year, American Swimmer of the Year, and FINA Swimmer of the Year. Lochte earned each of these awards twice so far in his career. International medals include 39 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze; with a total of 62.

Swimming wasn't Lochte's favorite sport while growing up. Rather, he enjoyed misbehaving. He like to pull on other kids' legs, blow bubbles, and hide out on the other side of the pool. Every time his father (also his coach at the time) saw him goofing off, he was sent to the showers. It was said that he spent more time there than actually in the pool. Realization hit after a sore loss at Junior Olympics. He said "that he was tired of losing". He finally started to take the sport seriously and worked hard when he was a junior in high school. After that, he never lost at that meet again.

Phelps and Lochte have always had a rivalry going on. In 2008 people really started talking about the two head figures. In my opinion, Phelps will always be a better swimmer overall. Although, this past games, Ryan has done a great job. He is getting more and more popular due to his accomplishments. I hope he will just be getting better and better!