Michael Phelps’ Rival Ryan Lochte Auctions Off 6 Olympic Medals for Over $10,000 Each

The swimming fraternity understands the greatness of Michael Phelps, who raised the bar for every athlete. He dominated the sport like none other and raised the bar for other swimmers. But there are hardly a few who can reach that level of consistency. However, Ryan Lochte comes in a close second because of his victories at the Olympics. He won 12 Olympic medals, and ranks second to Phelps, for most medals won in total. And now, he auctioned those medals off. 

Masterfully performing in the individual medley events, Lochte is a versatile swimmer who won a gold medal in the 200-meter backstroke freestyle competition during the 2008 Olympics. Hence, it is surprising to see him auction off his medals.

Ryan Lochte auctions medals

Ranking behind Phelps as the second-most decorated swimmer at the Olympics, Lochte divides his medals into three separate auction items. One medal kept for auction is the 2004 Athens Olympics silver medal. Estimates show the medal can fetch over $10,000. Likewise, the 2008 Olympics saw him win two bronze medals in the 200 and 400-meter individual medley. The current bid is over the price estimate of $12,000+.

In addition, his 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics medals are up for auction. Apart from these medals, Lochte has also auctioned other pieces of memorabilia. Lochte purchased a 14K White Gold Olympic Ring and a watch. The ring stands at $500, and estimates show it can reach $8,000+. The watch currently stays at $605, and estimations go up to $10,000+.

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 While it may seem weird for people to see athletes auctioning precious medals, many other athletes have done the same. They auctioned the Olympic medals off with the value of the person who holds them. Therefore, some famous athletes did the same. 

Jesse Owens’ famous medal

In the track and field fraternity, Jesse Owens holds a significant place up top. He won four gold medals at the much-fabled 1936 Berlin Olympics. Former German leader Adolf Hitler appeared for the event, as Jesse changed the course of history through those games. Remarkably, they sold the medals off in 2013 for a staggering $1.46 million. 

Another inspiring story to come out from Team USA is swimmer Anthony Ervin. He won his first gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and auctioned it off for $17,000. Ervin auctioned off those medals for the benefit relief disaster fund from the 2004 Tsunami disaster. It was a great piece of contribution from a champion swimmer, who then, 16 years later, won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

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