1. Lochte wins five Olympic medals
Swimmer Ryan Lochte had a somewhat disappointing London Olympics based on his high expectations. But the Spruce Creek product still enhanced his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats, winning five medals, including two gold — in the grueling 400 individual medley and the 4×200 freestyle relay.
Lochte had an epic U.S. Olympic Trials showdown with Michael Phelps, winning two events and finishing second in two others. But it was Phelps, again, who shined brightest at the Olympics, winning four more gold medals and two silver for a total of 22 medals in his remarkable career.
Lochte, meanwhile, upped his career Olympic medal count to 11 — five gold — from his three Olympic appearances. He’s planning one more Olympic foray at Rio de Janeiro in four years.
After taking some time off to enjoy his growing fame and dabbling in some acting, Lochte got his next four-year interval off to a rousing start — winning six gold medals, a silver and a bronze at the Short Course World Championships in Istanbul earlier this month. He set world records in the 100 and 200 IM and was named Male Swimmer of the Meet.
Photo courtesy of JD Lasica, CC BY-NC 2.0
