Ryan Lochte announced via social media today that his suspension had ended and that he was ready to get back to work. “It’s been a long suspension but it’s over, I’ve learned and became a better man from it…. now let’s go #2020 #teamtyr #2020isforyoucaiden #justletmework”
Lochte was handed a ten-month suspension from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and USA Swimming for his role in the gas station debacle in Rio de Janeiro last summer at the conclusion of the 2016 Olympic Games. Lochte’s full punishment included:
- 10-month suspension
- Will miss 2017 Nationals, which means he is unable to qualify for 2017 Worlds
- No monthly USA Swimming stipend during suspension
- 20 hours community service
- Not allowed to visit White House with Olympic team
- Not allowed to attend Golden Goggles
Lochte was nevertheless busy during his ten-month hiatus. He competed on “Dancing with the Stars,” competed at U.S. Masters Nationals, and on June 8, welcomed his first baby, son Caiden, with fiancée Kayla Rae Reid.
Now that he has served his suspension, Lochte is ready to turn his attention to preparing for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He posted on Instragram the #JustLetMeWork ad that came out in January when he signed a contract with TYR Sport, with a special dedication to Caiden:
https://twitter.com/RyanLochte/status/881226488363732997
He’s got to continue competing. What else is he qualified to do? The adulation here is kind of hilarious. I believe Ryan Lochte is a future bankrupt D-lister trying to get back on his feet using a Kickstarter project. We’ll see, for sure, and I can’t wait.
“But he’s a great swimmer.”
He could compete at the FINA World Cup, starts in August …. he never was there before. And WC is in SC …
Lochte has already been in training since January.
So Ryan has made a mistake in his life, and we mere mortals have never done that, Michael did that as well, am thinking though that being a father for the first time will give him a new perspective and maybe even make him a better person as well as a better athlete, He is already a legend, has won everything there is to win in the sport so he has nothing to prove, other than his love of what he does!
Lochte prediction 200 IM…. 1:55 low next time he tapers. Bring on the dislikes!!!
I think Lochte has a very good chance to compete at a very high level for the next few years.
At the 2008 and 2012 OT Phelps did his best to avoid fans. Ryan Lochte has always embraced his fans by giving autographs and being in touch with them. America ‘forgave’ Phelps for bad behavior. Ryan used poor judgement but never endangered anyones life by driving impaired or smoking pot in public.
It is great that our older swimmers love the sport and wish to continue to compete. Lets get off the “age” train and just enjoy watching them contine!!!
Right on, Mary!
Full power to that expression
Phelps has avoided his fans before his races to concentrate, but gives them high fives after he is finished.
Phelps didnt put anyone else’s life at risk by smoking pot in public. But other than that I agree with everything you said!!
Right, those DUIs were totally harmless.
Just act normal….no drama