12-time Olympic swimming medalist Ryan Lochte is making his coaching debut as an assistant coach at Missouri State, joining Dave Collins’ staff for the 2026–27 season. It is a measured move. Lochte is not jumping straight into a head coaching position. He admits he has a lot to learn.
For Ryan, coaching is not some far-flung idea. His father, Steve Lochte, coached for 44 years, and both Steve and Ryan’s mother, Ileana “Ike” Lochte, coached him when he was young. Swimming was not just what Ryan did, it was the language of the house.
In this GMM Podcast, Lochte talks about why he is taking this path slowly, why the assistant role matters, and how he hopes to develop into a head coach over time. He also reflects on the influence of longtime Florida coach Gregg Troy, whose program was built on honest work and the kind of discipline that leaves no room for shortcuts. Lochte says he wants to channel that influence now, not as a copy of Coach Troy, but as someone shaped by it.
If you have questions I missed, drop them in the comments. Lochte said he’d come back on as he develops in this new role in swimming.
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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.
Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.
Gotta love his humility.
I was surprised he didn’t try to get that enhanced money and is taking the harder longer path towards having a respected profession. Good on him.
He was unfairly thrown under the bus in Rio. He’s prolly a bit of a fratbro brat who didn’t hold himself to the standard (rightfully, imo) expected of a high profile American athlete but it was gross how he was treated.
Hmmm. Thrown under the bus? Let’s take a quick look back, facts only:
Unacceptable conduct (while hammered) out in town at the Olympic Games while a member of Team USA. Lied to police about said conduct, fabricating a story. Quickly exited said country, one step ahead of the posse. Truth comes out later – no apology. Many personal foibles (for years) following said incident.
Yes, public opinion is a tough sell.
Best wishes to Ryan!
Grammar not-see here: at the 0:48 mark, Mel says:
“Between he and she, they have six children.”
I think Mel meant to say: “Between him and her, they have six children.” Now BK can rest comfortably!
😔😔😔😔
Probably an unnecessary nit pick on my part, Melvin, but I admit that I cringe when NFL announcers say similar things.
Good wishes to you and the SwimSwam gang!
I’m happy for you Ryan!
Your 200 IM duel against Phelps in 2011 World Championship remains one of the best races I’ve seen in the past 20 years. Becoming the first swimmer to break a supersuit world record is icing on the cake.
He deserves a lot of credit for what he accomplished. He wasn’t some age group phenom natural talent. He was willing to work hard and swim tired. His technique was amazing. He was way ahead of the curve on underwaters. None of this was some accidental natural gift. If he can convey even a little of what he learned to his swimmers he’s going to do great.
Oof I did not like the AI generated Lochte swimming based on old photos lol
Glad for Ryan and hope he succeeds!