Mel Stewart contributed to this report.
Breaking news out of the pool in Indianapolis, as Ryan Lochte will scratch both the 400 IM and the 50 backstroke for Thursday, leaving him with only the 100 fly to swim. The news comes to our Mel Stewart from an official who asked to remain anonymous as the start lists for Thursday are not yet out.
The 100 fly has become a new event for Lochte after he finished 3rd at last year’s Olympic Trials. This means, though, that he is out of the 400 IM in which he is the defending Olympic champion.
Lochte had been waffling back-and-forth on the 400 IM all season long, but after a great swim at the Santa Clara Grand Prix a month ago, it looked like he might be settled in to the event.
This opens up not only this race internationally, but also domestically, where Connor Dwyer, Chase Kalisz, Tyler Clary, and others will be battling for the two spots that will swim in Barcelona.
More scratches will come after Wednesday’s finals.
Smart decision for Lochte. I have never really believed in his comeback in the 400 IM. Yes his race in Santa Clara was good but it’s one thing to swim a fast 400 IM in one day, it’s another thing to swim 2 fast 400 IM races the same day. And in Barcelona it’s the last day of competition. He will be dead. To swim a 400 IM under 4.13 in the morning to qualify and another under 4.07 in the evening to play the win is perhaps too much for a veteran like him now. When I listen to him I believe he wants to train for other races until 2016, perhaps like the 100 free or the 100… Read more »
Hangino will win 400m IM in Barcelona ,no way Lochte will win 400m IM this year
Watching Lochte get reeled in that final 50 reminded me of London and that 4×200 relay.
NoLochteFan,
it sounds like you are not a fan of Lochte, no?
Pulling out from 400 IM is very surprising move. Yes, the schedule in the trials is not ideal, but 400IM will be on the last day in Barcelona.
I would NOT be surprised to see Ryan pick this race back up come 2013 when he is better prepared. He is vulnerable right now as was Phelps back in 2005. I don’t doubt Ryan’s ability to reclaim the #1 spot for the 400 I.M. He didn’t train for the 400 I.M. and was better suited to 100s and 200s. That 400 is going to take commitment. He WILL be back.
If you are an elite swimmer you shouldn’t be tooling around in the 50’s anyway. As the name implies, I’m no fan of Lochte’s, but he is above swimming 50’s. Leave that to the boys who don’t like to train hard!
what about the Great Alex Popov, he swam 50m?
I think Lochte was more worried what Hagino would do to him at Worlds. The 100m fly is the easy way out because he’s not the favorite and there’s little expectations. Given how weak the 100m fly field is he could have a chance to make it and medal.
No surprise at all for this NoLochteFan.
I hope Tom can beat Lochte and or McGill…
I’m with you TJ, Shields always impresses would be great to see him get on the team.
with u on that one . Hope Shields make the team .
Tom Shields 1st Lochte 2nd… lets go boys!
In today’s world, Mel & Peter Busch would be cellmates. 🙂 Just joshin’