Ryan Lochte was plagued by injuries last year. We still haven’t seen the full David Marsh effect on Lochte. Marsh is the magic-man. SwimMAC Team Elite performed at the 2012 Olympic Trials in Omaha, and Marsh’s elite crew is much bigger and deeper with talent over this quad. I think that will translate into more success in 2016. The SwimMAC Team Elite program is not only geared toward training in the pool, it’s a community of elites, a lifestyle for pros, designed to enhance their overall well-being. As pros age and mature, this is vital, keeps them happy and passionate about the sport.
WHAT WE KNOW
Lochte has been training much more consistently so far this year. He’s injury free. Also, he’s disappointed by last year, thinks it was his worst year as an elite since 2004. That bodes well for 2015. Lochte has always been formidable, but a focused Lochte is deadly. Perhaps the biggest assets for Lochte so far this year is how quiet he’s been. Lochte’s never been more low-key. Think about that before you make your 2015 Worlds predictions for Lochte.
MEL PREDICTIONS FOR 2015 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
200m freestyle – 1:45.3 – bronze
200m IM – 1:54.4 – gold
What are your Ryan Lochte predictions for World Championships?
This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and the co-founder of SwimSwam.com, a Swimming News website.
1st place: 100 breast, 57.9.
The problem is paul beidermann is looking good, and I don’t think he’s going to be the guy who had two good swims and never showed up again this year. He can easily get 1:44 low.
IMO, I honestly believe Lochte is on the downward slide – age has caught up with him. Lochte will medal in the 200m IM, but I think Hagino has the edge on him for gold. Same can be said for the likes of Cseh of Hungary. I doubt he’ll ever be a big medal contender in the 200m IM ever again, Olympics and Worlds that is.
As for the 200m free – Lochte may final, but I doubt he’ll make top 5. Personally, I reckon Lochte should only swim 200m IM individually and keep himself rested for 4x100m and 4x200m free relays.
Mel- I agree that of Phelps’s performances in Beijing, the 200 free was the best to watch. It was easily the most brilliantly executed, gorgeous race I’ve ever seen in my life.
It was indeed art for Phelps in that 200 . But the best 200 free stroke ever willl still be the one from Ian Thorpe . That guy was just surfing his own wave …. Fantastic . Lochte will medal in The 200 IM , the 800 free relay of course , and maybe in the 200 free . He can surely get a 1.45 low this summer if well rested . He can do it ….
Hagino had a nice time at the top while Phelps and Lochte got their act together. The 200 IM is Ryan’s race. He is just too powerful in all four strokes. When he is “on”, he is artistry in the water. This is probably the one race I am most looking forward to because I know that Ryan is going to be back at the top of his ability. Pretenders to the crown, step aside. The King has returned.
I think Ryan can get down to 1:54 in the 200 IM and 1:44 low in the 200 free, if not this summer by 2016. But, this will happen only if he regularly gets more rest. Not just during taper but for long sustained periods of time. Just like a change in diet was crucial to his success in 2010-12, IMO increased rest is vital to his success in 2016. You can hear the plea every time Marsh is interviewed about him.
I think that he will be very competitive.
200free: 1:45.1 4th
200IM : 1:55.2 2nd
The 200 Free is bound to be a lot faster this year at WC’s. At least 3 guys will be sub 1:45.0
I think that Hagino is going sub 1:55.0 in the 200IM and could also be one of the sub 1:45 guys in the 200 free.
Thanks for giving some attention to Ryan, Mel! Since MP’s comeback, the press only asks Ryan about Phelps…
Wish I could see him do a 100 fly this summer.
Agreed that we need a global breakthrough in 200 Free- Phelps 08 was the most beautiful free stoke I’ve ever seen.
I wonder if we’ll ever see Lochte/Phelps push that 200IM WR again, would be nice to see one of them get another before retirement