Ryan Lochte Wants To Swim In 11 Events At 2012 London Olympics

If it was up to U.S. Swimmer Ryan Locthe, he would be competing in all 11 of his events at the 2012 London Olympics.

Lochte said:

“I would swim every event possible. That’s what I love to do. I love just getting up on the blocks and racing the people next to you, trying to put your hand on the wall first,” Lochte said during the press conference. “It doesn’t matter what event, what stroke, I just love to race. I honestly don’t know. If I could swim them, I would swim all 11, but I don’t think my coach would allow that.”

Lochte holds the world record for the 200 individual medley and is the reining champion in the 200 and 400-meter individual medleys, the 200-meter freestyle and the 200-meter backstroke. The Olympian plans on swimming all four of those events.

Lochte is still undecided about events like the 200-meter butterfly and the 50 meter freestyle, where he is ranked 99th and 111th respectively.

Lochte may, however, enter all 11 events. According to Yahoo, swimmers are allowed to enter any event that they qualify for. Most top level athletes will enter several events even if they don’t plan on swimming in every race. Lochte said that he’ll definitely be swimming in the 200 and 400-meter individual medleys, the 200-meter freestyle and the 200-meter backstroke. He still isn’t sure about the other 7 events.

Locthe has 6 Olympic medals and is hoping to add to that total this Summer.

Michael Phelps, Lochte’s teammate and one of his main competitors, is also looking for a major haul this year. Phelps could become the most decorated athlete in Olympic history if he wins another two medals at the 2012 Olympic Games.