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Ryan Lochte To Take A Break After Rio: “I Might Be Back”

2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES

Speaking after a disappointing 200 IM run, multi-time world and Olympic champ Ryan Lochte says he will take a break after the Rio Olympics, leaving his future in the sport up in the air.

“Especially how long I’ve been doing it, it’s hard finding different ways to make it fun again,” said a visibly crestfallen Lochte. “I know after this, I’m going to need some time off, just a break mentally, physically, who knows. I might be back.”

Lochte said he felt great before the race and pushed his first 150 meters, challening eventual gold medalist Michael Phelps. But the 32-year-old Lochte faded badly over the final 50 meters and finished 5th in 1:57.47. That was still only about four tenths out of medaling, which would have made Lochte the second most-decorated swimmer of all-time behind Phelps.

Lochte has won 12 total medals in his career, with the 12th coming in the 4×200 free relay earlier this week. He’s now done for these Olympics, but could break a tie with Jenny Thompson, Natalie Coughlin and Dara Torres with a 13th Olympic medal.

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Douglas
8 years ago

To many, Ryan’s fifth place was a big surprise. Had he repeated his semi-finals performance (1:56.26), he would have taken the silver medal behind Phelps. I think pace matters. He may have pushed too hard in the first 100 (fly-back), shooting for GOLD and an extraordinary victory over Phelps. That would have been HUGE! Ryan was leading at 100 meters. It seems he went out too hard. He slowed severely on the second 100. But can you blame him for trying?

Ropes
8 years ago

Ryan remember there is always fun in the relays with your old mate Michael!Enjoy your break you earn`t it!

Dr.x
8 years ago

Happy that 200 Im world record was not broken..
I think it won’t be broken soon..
After lochte and Phelps retire..haginos will cash in the gold medal with 1 55 like times..
Sad

Dr.x
Reply to  Dr.x
8 years ago

Guess who has broken the 1 55 mark two times after London?

– MICHAEL freaking PHELPS

pvdh
Reply to  Dr.x
8 years ago

lochte did as well at 2013 worlds

Uberfan
8 years ago

Do Pan Am games here’s how I put the swimming event in tiers
1.Olympics best of the best
2.World champs big but not as much on the line
3. Pan Pacs: just something to tie over swimming fans
4.Pan Am: send the noobies here

Atento
8 years ago

I hope He goes to short course worlds. Its obvious that phelps will go down in history as the best swimmer and long course swimmer of all time. But Lochte had more international medals and had the oportunity to become the first swimmer to earn more than 100 international medals and go down in history as the best shortcourse swimmer of all time. I really do think He has another four years in him, but maybe with another Coach. Lochte still make lots of money from swimming…

Hint of Lime
8 years ago

As stated earlier — whatever he does, best of luck to Lochte and huge congratulations on his achievements thus far. 12 gold medals of his own is no joke and very often forgotten/overlooked by many (including myself!) due to the GOATness of the GOAT. Kudos to him for always staying true to himself, grill and all. Thanks for so well representing the USA!

anonymoose
Reply to  Hint of Lime
8 years ago

i think 12 total medals not only gold. but i dont know how many gold medals

Attila the Hunt
Reply to  Hint of Lime
8 years ago

12 golds?
in beer pong?

Kaez
8 years ago

DIdnt he literally say in an interview that he would “keep swimming as long as I am having fun with it, and Im having fun with it” Little confused on his indifference, think hes just disappointed in his swim

Acoach
Reply to  Kaez
8 years ago

How much he lost by going to swimmac, from to superstar to almost ready to retire, John Urbancheck, jack roach, Troy , make some changes
You have another great years in you.

Irish Ringer
Reply to  Kaez
8 years ago

Yes, but they asked him after a huge let down of a swim for him. Give him some time and he’ll put this swim behind him.

Lp Man
8 years ago

I think he’s done. A medal may have persuaded him to hang in there a little longer

swimdoc
Reply to  Lp Man
8 years ago

He would’ve been disappointed in anything but a gold. If we say one bad swim means he’s done, then we need to say goodbye to Cseh (probably), LeClos, Franklin, Campbell, McEvoy, Seebohm and others.

About Jared Anderson

Jared Anderson

Jared Anderson swam for nearly twenty years. Then, Jared Anderson stopped swimming and started writing about swimming. He's not sick of swimming yet. Swimming might be sick of him, though. Jared was a YMCA and high school swimmer in northern Minnesota, and spent his college years swimming breaststroke and occasionally pretending …

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