The saga of Ryan Lochte and his infamous grills continue. Locthe had a special jewel encrusted red, white and blue grill resembling the star-spangled banner made for the Olympics which he wanted to wear while receiving his medals. Fourth-Place Medal reports that an IOC official told Reezy he wouldn’t be permitted to wear his bling while receiving his gold medal in the 400 IM.
Lochte first sported a grill at the 2007 World Championships in Australia. Since then, he has debuted several different grill versions over the years. He has been known for his outside-of-the-box fashion choices on the pool deck, including custom green shoes made by Speedo.
This begs the question: should the USOC distribute standard-issue bling to allow Floridians like Lochte to represent? Are the American uniforms swaggerish enough? Does China even make grills to supply the Americans with? More to come as the bling saga continues.
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Oh my god that would be so funny if on the podium he goes “F. You Phelps!” before getting off.
I’m sorry but you obviously don’t follow Lochte! You are ignorant because you don’t know anything about him. Ryan Lochte is one of the kindest human beings in sports. He is the national spokesman for several causes including Parkinson’s Disease. He is very kind to everyone he meets and very respectful but also very “real”. He is a rebel and is funny and goofy…is it a crime to have a personality? I loved Phelps but its nice to see someone show some personality once in a while. He’s 27 and worked his azz off for years and blew away the field. Let him have some fun. Whether we personally care for the “grill” is hardly the point. He represents America… Read more »
Lochte comes across as a nice balance of healthy ego and gracious good sportsman. I think the grill in his case goes along with the wacky goofy part of his brand and was not intended to be bragging. However I think that much of the world who don’t know his brand well would misperceive it as bragging and from a team/national brand perspective, Team USA and the Olympic movement don’t want to promote that even if its well-intended.
I really wish that he wouldn’t have won that 400 IM. There are two American competitors that I don’t want to win for the shear fact that there isn’t a modest bone in their bodies. First, is Lochte, second isn’t a single athlete, but the Men’s Basketball team. In my opinion, our men’s basketball team is comparable to the Russian Hockey team that lost to the U.S. Miracle team. I understand that both Lochte and the team are the best around, but at least show that you are humble in victory, much more respectable that way.
how was he not humble? he is always sure to thank his fans multiple times, said he was in shock, and he wears his own unique style. So what? Its not like he was wearing a shirt that said “f you phelps” or anything
He was looking VERY good in his podium attire.
Considering how insane the official branding guidelines are for basically everything in London right now, I’m surprised they’re not all forced to wear ad-filled ponchos that say DRINK COKE & EAT MCDONALDS on them or something.
Love Ryan, love grills!!!
I don’t see the big deal. It’s merely an accessory and since it doesn’t have anything written on it like “SUCK IT PHELPS,” I fail to see the problem.
Now if he was wearing something or carrying a sign a la Cavic’s “KOSOVO IS SERBIA” shirt…
He’s earned the right to brag ‘n’ swag, and promote his “brand”, just not on the podium,where he’s representing his country and not just himself.
The grill saga… Haha. Lochte, your grill is going to ruin the sport! It could take years for FINA to decide how to handle this!