Ryan Lochte on Possibility of Fifth Olympics and Favorite Memory of Hall of Fame Aquatic Center

Ryan Lochte with Swimming World TV's Brent Rutemiller

Four-time Olympian and current world record holder Ryan Lochte sat down with Swimming World TV’s Brent Rutemiller at the Hall of Fame Aquatic Center’s groundbreaking ceremony on Friday. Lochte talked about his drive to make his fifth Olympic team next year in 2020, which would make him the third American swimmer to make five Olympic teams, something only Dara Torres and Michael Phelps have been able to accomplish.

Lochte also went through his recruitment to the University of Florida (2:34) and why he decided to become a Gator (2:59). He also talked about his struggles with adapting to Gregg Troy’s intense workload (4:25) and how he was able to flip a switch to adjust to the training (4:36).

Lochte also talked about his Olympic dreams he lived up to (7:09) and his journey from winning an Olympic gold medal and setting a world record, which he did in 2008 in the 200 backstroke.

Lochte also talked about the importance of the Hall of Fame Aquatic Center in Fort Lauderdale and his favorite memories (12:07) of coming to the pool as a kid.

Lochte (left) with Olympians Caeleb Dressel and Jesse Vassallo at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex; Photo Courtesy: International Swimming Hall of Fame

The International Swimming Hall of Fame hosted its groundbreaking ceremony for the Hall of Fame Aquatic Center $27 Million renovation project on Friday. The event was witnessed by hundreds of local media, swimmers, and south Florida citizens to celebrate the beginning of the future of the Swimming Hall of Fame Aquatic Center, Fort Lauderdale.

The renovations will include:

Remove existing 50m competition pool and provide a new expanded fully FINA compliant standard pool with stainless bulkheads.
Remove existing diving pool and provide new fully FINA compliant diving pool and tower including five platform levels (1m, 3m, 5m, 7m, 10m), and 1m and 3m springboards
Remove existing spa for divers and provide new spa
Repair existing 50m training pool with new surfacing and gutters
Relocate and expand the instructional pool to the southwest corner of the peninsula
Provide new filtration system, pumps, and chlorination system for all pools.
Resurface and raise pool deck to allow for increased pool depths for competition-level use
Remove existing grandstand building and bleachers on north side of facility and provide new grandstand with spectator restrooms, concessions, ticket office, and metal bleachers for +/ 1500 spectator capacity.
Provide site improvements that include parking and drainage improvements, new stadium lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, and new main entry plaza.

The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex has been in place since December 1965 when the International Swimming Hall of Fame inducted its first class. Since then, it has played host to numerous international and national level events in aquatic sports and has had ten world records fall from swimming legends Mary T. Meagher, Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin.

The main competition pool is currently closed and the facility will officially close April 17. The finished renovations are scheduled to finish in October 2020.

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Kimberly Hoodin

5 years ago

Great interview! Ryan is focused and when he’s back with Coach Troy they can get this done! #2020

Andrea Bravo Fernandez

5 years ago

Great interview!

Jan Miller

5 years ago

I wish him luck but doubt he can do it with the new kids coming up. But still wish him the best.

Sidney Tran

5 years ago

He’s past his prime.