Ryan Lochte’s father, Steve Lochte, discussed in the Daytona Beach News-Journal the time table for the 11-time Olympic medalists return to swimming after tearing his MCL with a run-in with an over-zealous fan over the weekend.
Steve Lochte says that after receiving several opinions on the results of an MRI, it was decided that the tear was not severe enough to undergo surgery.
The time-table is 8-10 weeks of rehab on his left knee, and resume full training in February. Steve Lochte says that Ryan will “try to be ready for the Pan Pacific Championships next August,” which means that he would have to be ready to compete by the August 6th start of the 2014 USA Swimming National Championships.
This pulls Ryan Lochte out of many high-profile upcoming meets, including the 2013 Duel in the Pool where the Americans are expected to get their biggest challenge ever from Team Europe.
USA Swimming did not respond to a request for comment on whether or not they’d be filling Ryan Lochte’s spot on that roster. Barring a comeback by Michael Phelps, that would leave the Americans two swimmers shy of the 800 free relay that won gold at the 2012 Olympics. The Americans have won every 800 free relay World Championship since the Aussies took the title in 2003, but with a young Russian squad, the 2015 World Championships could become a dicey proposition of Ryan Lochte’s rehab gets off-schedule.
So totally saddened by this news. I hope Ryan has a fast & speedy (like he is in the water!) recovery! Wish he was going to the Duel in the Pool! The Americans will surely miss him!
I am so bummed.
I love wathcing Ryan Lochte swim. He is among the grittiest swimmer I’ve known.
Two doctors that viewed MRI said he will not reequire arthroscopic surgery. Brilliant statement. You cant fix the MCL arthroscopically…so it truly is best of they dont try.!
I tore my MCL twice. It’s now stronger than it’s ever been. he’ll be fine after a lot of ice, rest, and light stretching
He must be ready next summer if he wants to swim at the world championships in 2015. I imagine the reactions if Ryan doesn’t qualify. The US qualification system every 4 years which qualify the swimmers one year sooner will be in question.
Which qualifies.