Cuban-American Ryan Lochte may be facing arguably the greatest swimmer in history, but he is ready to pass by Michael Phelps to become the big story out of the 2012 London Olympics.
In an interview on TODAY Tuesday, Matt Lauer asked Lochte to write the headline to his own London story.
“Ryan Lochte takes over,’’ Lochte replied.
That’s a bold prediction, considering Phelps has a record 14 gold medals and a knack for rising to the occasion in the Olympics. However, after having beaten Phelps regularly over the past three years, including a five-gold-medal performance at the 2011 World Championships, Lochte is favored to win after playing the bridesmaid several times in 2008. The two are expected to go head-to-head in the 200 and 400 individual medleys.
“To me, Michael is just another swimmer,’’ Lochte said. “It’s just another person that I’ve got to go up against and race. He’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever had a race against, and I love racing against him.’’
Lochte plans on celebrating his victories in his unique style. That means his infamous diamond mouthpiece will be making an appearance on the podium.
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