SHANGHAI, China, April 12. THE man currently ruling the world on the short-course scene has been named usatoday.com’s Olympic Athlete of the Week. Ryan Lochte was handed the honor at the beginning of the week, thanks to his performances at the recently concluded World Short Course Championships in Shanghai, China.
As the headliner for Team USA, Lochte established a trio of world records, including a pair on the final day of competition. A triple-event winner for the University of Florida at last month’s NCAA Championships, Lochte’s first world record arrived in the 200 individual medley when he clocked 1:53.31. He then followed with efforts of 1:49.05 in the 200 backstroke and 49.99 in the 100 backstroke. His shorter backstroke record was supplied during the leadoff leg of the 400 medley relay.
Now that his collegiate career has ended, Lochte’s focus has turned to this summer’s United States Nationals, which also serve as the Pan Pacific and World Championship Trials. What events Lochte will contest remains to be seen, though his choices are obviously plentiful with his prowess in the dorsal events, medley disciplines and 200 freestyle.