The American swimmer’s dominance is beyond limits as Lochte is only second to Michael Phelps in terms of Olympic medals.
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There is not a medal that Ryan Lochte has not won in his illustrious career. The 12-time Olympic medallist is only second to Michael Phelps in terms of Olympic medals. Among the 12 medals, the six Golds in the Summer Games are the stand out achievements of his career. He also has a staggering 39 World Championship titles to his name. Lochte will forever be remembered as one of the greats of the swimming world.
Specialising in the backstroke, Lochte is one of the fiercest competitors in his category. An expert in individual medley, the American is equally capable in butterfly and freestyle categories. Known for his ability to dominate the short course format, he gets unbelievable speed and distance while kicking underwater. Ryan’s versatility allows him to dominate the swimming world with relative ease.
Lochte’s first spotlight moment came in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Swimming alongside Phelps, Klete Keller, and Peter Vanderkaay, he won the Gold in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay against the much-fancied Australian team. He also had an impressive 200-meter individual medley run to finish only behind Phelps to bag the Silver.
It was the glorious run in Athens, which announced Ryan’s arrival at the international stage. Two years later at the 2006 FINA Short Course World Championships, he won the 200-meter individual medley, the 200-meter backstroke, and the 400-meter individual medley.
Then, Lochte famously won his maiden individual Gold at a long course World Championships in the 200-meter backstroke at the 2007 World Aquatics Championships in Melbourne. With every passing event, the American started to break new records.
It was mainly at the Olympics, he began to attain stardom. The 2008 Beijing Olympics was a memorable event for Lochte as he won four medals. He bagged his first individual Gold with the 200-meter backstroke. He also helped his country defend the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, besides winning the Bronze in the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley.
In the 2012 London Olympics, he won five medals. Ryan once again helped USA defend the 4×200-meter freestyle relay and also won the Gold in the 400-meter individual medley. Besides, he also won two Silver and a Bronze medal.
In Rio 2016, he was at it again to help his country win the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. However, it happened to be his only medal of the tournament as he failed to win a medal in the 200-meter individual medley for the first time. The unexpected run in the Brazilian city cannot diminish his distinguished career in any way.
One of the swimmers of his generation, Lochte has been consistently performing at the top level. At 36, Tokyo Olympics might be his last opportunity to have another incredible run in the Summer Games. With the American showing no signs of slowing down, he might still emerge as the surprise package in the Japanese capital.
