Ryan Steven Lochte (born August 3, 1984) is an American swimmer and a six-time Olympic medalist (three gold, two silver, one bronze). As part of the American team, he holds the world record in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay (long course). Individually, he currently holds the world record in the 200-meter individual medley (long and short course) and the 400-meter individual medley (short course).
Lochte's success have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award and the American Swimmer of the Year Award twice. He has also been named the FINA Swimmer of the Year twice. He has won a total of fifty-seven medals in major international competition, thirty-seven gold, eleven silver, and nine bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, Pan American, and the Pan Pacific Championships.
Lochte specializes in the backstroke and individual medley, but is also a freestyle swimmer. He is noted for the speed and distance he attains while kicking underwater. Lochte is also known for his dominance in the short course format (25-meter long swimming pool).
Lochte said he was pleased with his performance at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships but feels that he can improve his times before the 2012 Olympics. "Getting five gold medals is definitely great, but the times that I went, I know I could go a lot faster," he said. "There are a lot of places in my races that I messed up on that I could have changed and gone faster, but I guess I have a whole year to make sure I have those perfect swims."
At year's end, Lochte was named the World Swimmer of the Year and American Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World Magazine, and defended his titles from 2010. He was also named the best male swimmer for 2011 by FINA Aquatics World Magazine, and also defended this title.
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
