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Ryan Lochte 100 Butterfly Post Race Interview – 2014 Arena Grand at Mesa

Swimming video edit via Coleman Hodges

2014 Arena Grand Prix at Mesa – MEN’S 100 Butterfly reported by Braden Keith

So the storybook version of the men’s 100 fly final in Michael Phelps’ big comeback didn’t go exactly according to plan, but afterall, it’s sort of Ryan Lochte’s comeback too. Neither swimmer lept out to a big lead at the turn, and neither is really want to do so in their ideal race, Coming off of the turn, however, Lochte took command and opened up about a half-a-body length lead.

But Phelps showed the fight we all know in him, that fight that caused him to be so great as much as his talent, and with Lochte tightening up a little in the last 15 meters, Phelps made it a close race.

Lochte, however, had juts enough left for the last couple of strokes, winning in 51.93 – a time that ranks him 2nd in the world so far this year. Phelps took 2nd in 52.13.

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SwimminMoose
10 years ago

What was the turn around time for Lochte with the 100 free earlier?

ERVINFORTHEWIN
10 years ago

very entertaining chats but absolutely uninteresting ! come back to swimming guys ….

Cate
10 years ago

“according to plan”? Did someone tell you what the plan was?

10 years ago

The move to Swimmac has paid off for Ryan Lochte. He is doing well and seems genuinely happy to see the return of his old rival Michael Phelps to the water

Me
10 years ago

Ryan couldn’t be interviewed because he was too winded to speak. Phelps was taking it easy and let him win, so he SHOULD have been the one interviewed anyway.

Admin
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

Me might be the best troll we’ve ever had on SwimSwam, just barely topping Charles Morton, Esq. Kudos.

Me
Reply to  Braden Keith
10 years ago

You think I’m trolling? Maybe I was exaggerating about “taking it easy”, but I didn’t see Michael struggle with speaking to Rowdy or getting out of the pool the way Ryan did. Did you see a different tape?

Me
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

I saw one swimmer give 110% in that race and another swimmer give less. That’s all I’m saying.

Me
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

Why do I think he would do that? Who knows? I think he just wanted to have some fun and just gauge the field. I think he believes he can beat Ryan when it really counts and because he’s had so much success in his career thus far, he was able to not take this race quite so seriously. Plus, he wants Ryan to be a good competitor. Beating Ryan yesterday when Ryan was already struggling with motivation may have killed his confidence…or it may have inspired him. But who knows?

Me
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

Perhaps he wants Ryan to get too overconfident and overextend himself again so he comes off looking like a fool, and he comes off as a seasoned, mature pro. #image #PR

theroboticrichardsimmons
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

are we all seeing a multiple personality disorder play itself out here?

i try to keep my conversations with myself offline.

Cate
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

Are all of you the same person??????

aswimfan
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

Me,

too many conjectures and personal assumptions.
Yes, I saw that Lochte was breathing harder than Phelps.
The difference is, I didn’t immediately think and believe that Phelps threw Lochte a bone.

coacherik
Reply to  Braden Keith
10 years ago

For me, Chaz has the edge due to name selection.

Me
Reply to  coacherik
10 years ago

Let’s hear from a real swim fan instead of ladies who know nothing of swimming outside of looking at pictures of men in bathing suits all day. I know who you are.

Cate
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

Phelps is like Tiger Woods. He is the one that puts people in the seats, and did at Mesa. Mesa was sold out and more journalists and cameras were there than normal for one reason and everyone knows that. That equates to dollars and sponsorships that EVERYONE gets. That is exposure that everyone gets. Pro golfers understand that and I am sure pro swimmers do too. Masters viewership was down 26% without Woods and attendance was down in Indy last year without Phelps. Not a big shocker. Also people like to see the relationship between the two men which showed in the back and forth teasing in the interview.

Me
Reply to  Cate
10 years ago

Here come the pervy old lady fans from the gossip site. I see you…

Me
Reply to  Me
10 years ago

Kajun Spice Keezy is it? Very entertaining. Looks like you’ll have some good material for #thighday.

SwimEagle
10 years ago

I’m the first to call myself a Lochte fangirl, but I’m glad to see this. I was a little disappointed to see the immediate post-race interview turn into a Phelps interview. Phelps may be a thousand times more articulate and the highlight of Mesa, but Lochte should’ve gotten the same treatment all the other winners got.

About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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