BOLZANO – Ryan Lochte is nothing if not for a consummate promoter of ticket sales for swimming events. \u00a0He’s continued to develop a brand that includes him signing autographs for hours at a time, making sure his fans are kept happy.<\/p>\n
This weekend in the leadup to the Bolzano International Swim Meeting, where he is the star attraction, he’s certainly taking care of his end of the bargain of filling the seats during the two-day competition.<\/p>\n
While competing at the Nico Sapio Trophy meet in Genova, Lochte spoke with Italy’s largest sports newspaper called “La Gazzetto dello Sport.” \u00a0And, aside from providing plenty of conversations about his difficult last year, how training is going at SwimMAC and his favorite vehicles, he threw out all the bait the local Italian swim fans need to make sure they show up in droves in Bolzano.<\/p>\n
“I’m looking for an Italian girlfriend,” Lochte told the paper, and that made it as the headline.<\/p>\n
Swimming World<\/em> is partnering with the Bolzano International Swim Meeting this weekend. \u00a0Make sure to watch the live stream available here<\/a>, and come back for on-demand race videos as well as interviews from all the stars throughout the weekend and the beginning of next week.<\/p>\n Also, look for some amazing photography from Azaria Basile, who is a friend of Swimming World<\/em> and will be on deck shooting the meet.<\/p>\n UPDATE:<\/strong><\/p>\n Lochte responded to Swimming World’s article on Twitter denying the quote.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c@SwimmingWorld<\/a>: Ryan Lochte: I\u2019m Looking For An Italian Girlfriend @ryanlochte<\/a> http:\/\/t.co\/jn3CKTtRPR<\/a>\u201d …… Not true. Here to race! #jeah<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ryan Lochte (@RyanLochte) November 3, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n