Michael Phelps Inspired Ryan Lochte To Win 200 IM At World Championships (SW Radio)

Ryan Lochte 2015 world championships
Photo Courtesy: R-Sport / MIA Rossiya Segodnya

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Though they are half a world apart, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps still remain in touch. Phelps, about to compete at the USA Swimming nationals, sent some words of encouragement to Lochte before he competed in the 200 IM final at the FINA world championships.

“Whenever Michael says anything to any swimmer, you’re going to take it to heart just because he’s the world’s greatest swimmer to ever live,” Lochte said at a press conference after winning the 200 IM in Kazan. “Saying that you’ve got to be a team leader, you’ve got to put Team USA on your shoulders and you’ve got to carry them through this meet and get them going, I definitely took that to heart.

“I’m one of the oldest swimmers now on the team … and he’s right. I’ve got to be a team leader.”

Listen To Press Conference On Swimming World Radio (with Russian translation)

Lochte took Phelps’ advice and won the first gold medal for the American men here in Russia with a 1:55.81 in the 200 IM. It was his fourth consecutive win in the event, tying him with Grant Hackett for that distinction at the world championships. Lochte said the significance of winning at the world level over a course of six years was not lost on him.

“To go down in history with one of the greatest swimmers ever – Grant Hackett – I’m definitely really humbled,” he said.

All four of Lochte’s world titles in the 200 IM had major significance. He set his first world record in the event in winning in 2009 with a 1:54.10. In 2011, he was in an epic battle with Phelps and the result was a new record for Lochte with a 1:54.00. Lochte’s win in 2013 might have come a bit easier for him than in years past, however, it came on the heels of his move to a new training location in North Carolina.

He said tonight’s win and the 2011 victory are equally important for him, adding that setting the world record against Phelps (his first 200 IM victory over Phelps) “is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

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Susan L. Lansbury
8 years ago

Love this humble and talented man!

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