Who's better right now: Lochte or Phelps?
Who's better right now: Lochte or Phelps?
The most popular name in swimming still might be Michael Phelps, but fellow American Ryan Lochte is quickly -- and not quietly -- creeping up on his friend. And wherever your allegiances lie, there isn't much doubt who the best swimmer is right now. Lochte.
By Jason Devaney | Posted: Aug 20, 12:30a ET | Updated: Aug 20, 12:30
IRVINE, Calif. -- The most popular name in swimming still might be Michael Phelps, but fellow American Ryan Lochte is quickly -- and not quietly -- creeping up on his friend.
And wherever your allegiances lie, there isn't much doubt who the best swimmer is right now.
Lochte.
Riddled with knee and groin injuries this year, Lochte decided to change up his habits. Gone are the days of constant McDonald's runs; he's eating better now. The Floridian also hits the weight room more and said he feels as strong as ever.
Lochte won three gold and two silver medals at the recent U.S. Championships, including a close victory over Phelps in the 200m individual medley. Through the first two days of the Pan-Pacific Championships, Lochte has hardly missed a step.
Gold in the 200m freestyle Wednesday night was followed by gold in the 400m IM on Thursday. He also anchored the winning 800m freestyle relay team.
Phelps opened the Pan-Pacs with a victory in the 200m butterfly on Wednesday, but on Thursday his hopes of earning a medal in his blast-from-the-past event -- the 400m IM -- were shattered when he failed to advance to the A final. Later he swam the opening leg of the winning relay, and although he built a significant lead for Peter Vanderkaay, he was still not satisfied. He called his fitness level a 4 out of 10 afterward.
Two questions: Is Lochte the best swimmer in the world right now? If he is, does that really matter since we're still two years out from the London Olympics? Phelps has a knack for finding his stroke every four years. Are Phelps' days of total domination over?
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