Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte is an American competitive swimmer and twelve-time Olympic medalist, known for his success in individual medley and backstroke events.
2004 Summer Olympics: The Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, from August 13 to 29, 2004. Lochte won his first Olympic medals in Athens, including gold in the 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay.
Individual medley: A swimming event in which one swimmer uses butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle in a prescribed order. Medley races became a defining specialty across Lochte’s Olympic career.
Michael Phelps: An American swimmer who won 28 Olympic medals, more than any other athlete. Phelps was Lochte’s teammate, training partner, and frequent rival in individual medley events.
Swimming world records: The fastest performances officially recognized in competitive swimming under specified rules and conditions. Lochte set world records in individual medley events and held the 200-meter record for years.
2008 Summer Olympics: The Olympic Games held in Beijing, China, from August 8 to 24, 2008. Lochte won six medals in Beijing, including gold in the 200-meter backstroke and 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay.
Backstroke: A swimming stroke performed on the back, with alternating arm strokes and a flutter kick. Lochte won Olympic gold in the 200-meter backstroke at the 2008 Games.
Bob Bowman: An American swimming coach best known for coaching Michael Phelps. Bowman coached Lochte during the period when Lochte trained alongside Phelps.
United States Olympic swimming team: The swimmers selected to represent the United States in Olympic competition. Lochte’s medals and relay results made him a central member of the team across four Olympics.
2012 Summer Olympics: The Olympic Games held in London, United Kingdom, from July 27 to August 12, 2012. He won five medals in London and took individual gold in the 400-meter individual medley.
Freestyle swimming: A competitive swimming category allowing any stroke, in which front crawl is used almost universally. Freestyle relay legs contributed several of Lochte’s Olympic medals.