“That hurt so bad, but I just love racing”
Those were the words multiple Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte used to describe his 400m IM swim at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Austin in mid-January, where he took the win in a time of 4:12.66. Lochte’s time was his fastest since 2013 when he posted a 4:11.36 at the Santa Clara stop of the series, sparking the conversation as to whether or not the SwimMAC Elite stud should consider including the event in his line-up for the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha this summer.
5 Reasons Why Lochte Should Swim 400m IM In Omaha
1. Olympic Experience
It’s one thing to win an event at your nation’s trials; it’s entirely another thing to swim that same event (successfully) on the world’s biggest international sporting stage. One leg up Lochte has on potential American Olympic roster spot competition such as Josh Prenot or Chase Kalisz in the 400m IM is Olympic experience. Not even just making it to the final in perhaps the sport’s most grueling event, but earning the gold medal at the 2012 edition of the Games in London.
2. Lochte Is Used To Being On Top
Lochte has had mega-success with the 400m IM event over the years, which not only includes his 2012 Olympic gold, but also a bronze at the 2008 Games in Beijing, as well as the World Championship title he earned in 2011, clocking a 4:07.13 to lead the world’s best that year by over 4 seconds. Although the Japanese duo of Kosuke Hagino and Daiya Seto have shot to the top of the world rankings the past couple of years, Lochte still holds strong as the top American in the event and his performance in Austin proves his training is supportive of a possible run in the 400m IM at Trials.
3. “Old Man”-Friendly Schedule
As the U.S. Olympic Trials follow the same schedule as the Rio swimming competition itself, the men’s 400m IM lands on day 1 of the schedule, with prelims in the morning and finals at night. For a 31-year-old competitor where recovery is more important than ever, a one-event session sounds just grand. No relays on that day means Lochte would be able to focus solely on the race at hand and relish the rest in between sessions without having to prepare for more than one event on the very first day of competition. Lochte was toast by the time swimming was done in London, but I’d rather see him drop the 200 back, as that doubles on the same day as the 200 IM, and stick with the 400 IM.
4. Lochte’s Performance at Austin
Fans of nostalgia were quite satisfied watching Lochte have his way with the 400m IM in Austin, a performance reminiscent of days gone by. The swim marked just the 7th time Lochte raced the event since winning his gold in 2012 and was easily the fastest he’s been since May of 2013. Not to mention Lochte beat out leading American would-be contenders, Chase Kalisz, Josh Prenot, Tyler Clary and rising star Sean Grieshop. Pair that with the fact that Lochte also put the hammer down recently on two international competitors, GBR’s Dan Wallace and Hungary’s David Verraszto in the 400 IM, albeit in short course meters, at the Duel in the Pool, and Lochte has certainly made his case for still being not only competitive, but dominant in the event.
5. No Phelps
For once at an Olympics, Lochte would be able to claim the event all his own without teammate-yet-rival Michael Phelps on the scene. Yes, Lochte won the 400m IM gold in London, whereas Phelps earned 4th, but Phelps’ name still entered the discussion surrounding the event. There was as much analysis over Phelps’ loss as there was over Lochte’s win. If Lochte were to make a run at the 400m IM in Omaha, he could potentially set himself up to be the star of the show, unleashing a possibly historic performance in Rio.
Ouch
I would like to see him swim the 400IM. Firstly it would do the swimming world a favour, because we could use his performance as a yardstick to judge just how far one can swim the tough events into your 30’s. Secondly he should be happy winning medals of any colour at his age, as he is not trying to defend a “perfect” record. A couple of Bronzes in the IM’s and a relay gold, would be a good reward.
Please do 400 IM, Mr. Lochte. Honestly, his best chance for a Gold Medal. I understand that it is a terrible event and doesn’t want to do it… but this is for Olympic Champion. A deserving cap to an incredible career as one of the all time greats. I hope he chooses to defend his title.
Lochte still has more raw talent (talent being measured by the sum of his times in the individual stroke events) than anybody else in the 400 IM field. Hagino is the second most talented by that measure, but he’s been pretty quiet since the injury that kept him out of Kazan and is a slight question mark for that reason. No one else comes close. The questions with Lochte are, how much is being 32 going to affect him, and how much is his shorter yardage training with David Marsh going to affect his 400 IM?
Also, how badly does he want it? Lochte wouldn’t have bothered to swim the 400 IM at the Duel or in Austin if… Read more »
It’s going to take 4:09 low to make the team in the 400 IM. If Lochte wants to make the 400 free relay or have enough speed on the latter days of the Rio Games to beat Phelps in the 200 IM, he won’t be doing the 400 IM in Omaha. As a 27 year old he was pretty gassed after the 400 IM in London. As a 31 year old, he’s not getting any younger. I see 200 IM, 100 free, 100 fly and perhaps 200 free.
I agree that Lochte’s a factor in the 100 fly, and I’m confident he could make the team in the 200 free (he’s a lock in the 200 IM if anyone can be). As for the 400IM, Kalisz seems to have plateaued a bit, Clary doesn’t seem to be in 2012 shape, and who knows where Hagino will be after his injury. If Lochte can go under 4:15 in the heats in Omaha and under 4:10 in finals to make the team, I think it’s his best shot at an individual medal after the 200IM. I’d think that would be a strong reason to swim it in Rio. Saving energy for the 200IM makes some sense, but it’s several days… Read more »
Reason #6: There are fewer options for him to win individual gold in Rio and the 400 IM may be his best opportunity. Yes he is very versatile, but international competition and USA competition in 200 back, 200 IM, 200 free is very tough. I think he has to compete in the 400 IM and his recent performances demonstrate that he has come to this realization of the facts.
“May have” come to that realization. Don’t believe it has come to full realization – yet.
Yeah, when I’m down and troubled etc, I just remember how happy Ryan was right after winning the 400IM in London. That was like moon-landing exhilaration levels. Would like to see again.
Tom, what are you guys smoking in Chicago? Your analysis is so far off base you might as well be talking about track and field.