Years Before His Rio Olympics Controversy, Infamous US Swimmer Scripted History Alongside Serena Williams and Hope Solo in 2012

Ryan Lochte is a well-known professional American swimmer. So far, Lochte has won 12 Olympic medals, making him the second most decorated swimmer in history. Lochte has also won seven Olympic medals in men’s individual events, ranking second after the legendary Michael Phelps.

The athlete specializes in the backstroke and individual medley while is also an expert in freestyle and butterfly swimming. Even after many such achievements, Lochte was one of the lesser-known swimmers in the US. However, right before the 2012 Olympics, Lochte scripted a unique history.

Ryan Lochte clicked alongside Williams and Solo

During the 2012 London Olympics, Lochte was a part of the USA Swimming Team. However, right before the Olympics, Lochte created history even before winning any medal.

Vogue magazine featured him on the cover alongside tennis legend Serena Williams and former USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo. The magazine cover displayed the swimming world record holder in the black jammer and locked arms with the two women with a beach backdrop.

According to Yahoo Sports, Lochte was only the fourth male to feature on the famous magazine’s cover photo. Richard Gere, George Clooney, and LeBron James are the other males he shares the pedestal with. However, while the other men posed with models, Lochte was the only man to feature with female athletes. The picture was alongside Serena Williams and Hope Solo. Although this was an off-the-pool achievement for Lochte, it was still a big feat.

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Later, during the London Olympics, he won his first Olympics gold medal in the 400m individual meet, beating his compatriot Michael Phelps. Lochte also won a silver medal with his US teammates in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay. That year, Lochte won five medals at the prestigious event, taking his Olympic medal tally to 11.

Lochte’s swimming achievements

Other than his Olympics achievement, Lochte is also a world-record holder in the 4×200m freestyle (long course) and 4×100m freestyle (mixed) relay.

The American swimmer has also won the World Swimmer of the Year Award, as well as the American Swimmer of the Year Award twice. Besides this, Lochte has also received the FINA Swimmer of the Year thrice. In all, the swimming legend has won 90 medals in major international swimming competitions, yet.

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Earlier this year, Lochte hinted that this would be his last competing year before he bids adieu to the sport.