Ryan Lochte Looking For Michael Phelps To Pay On $1,000 Bet

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Ryan Lochte told the media after the 2012 Olympics that he believed Michael Phelps would return to the pool for a chance to compete in the 2016 Games. He even went so far to wager $1,000 that his friend and rival would be back, according to an interview with NBC 6 in Miami.

“When he first said he retired after 2012, I went to him the next day and said “I bet you $1,000 that you’re going to be back. And he was like ‘no, no, I won’t, I’m done, I’m done.’ So he owes me $1,000.”

Lochte told the network that Phelps hasn’t settled the bet yet. Phelps was adamant before, during and after the London Olympics that he wasn’t planning to return to competition, saying he didn’t want to race at the elite level in his 30s. Phelps has officially been back to his old self for about two years, even going so far as posting the world’s best time in three events this year.

Of course, Phelps’ return means Lochte will not have an easy road to making his fourth Olympic team. The two will likely go head to head in the 200 IM at next year’s Olympic Trials, as well as the 200 free. Depending on their schedules, both might swim the 100 free to get on the 400 free relay.

The NBC 6 interview also marked Lochte’s first public comments about FINA’s ruling that his new way of kicking underwater on the freestyle leg of the 200 IM is illegal. Lochte kicked on his back for 10 meters underwater before turning onto his stomach and swimming freestyle for the rest of the 200 IM at the world championships last month. It was a turn he and coach David Marsh devised when they realized Lochte was faster on his back.

Lochte called the decision “ridiculous,” adding that “They made a rule, like the Lochte rule, I guess because I was so much faster underwater than anyone else.”

NBC 6 article

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Bill Bell

8 years ago

Lochte should hie himself to,UOP Stadia in Phoenix and I”m sure he’ll find him there!

Jon Gibirdi

8 years ago

Pay up michael

Yichen Tryhard Zhou

8 years ago

O damn