Olympic Swimming 2012: 5 Reasons Ryan Lochte Will Be Biggest Star in London

Move over Phelps, make room for Lochte. 

Since playing second fiddle to Michael Phelps in Beijing, Ryan Lochte has transformed himself into possibly the best swimmer in the world. 

For Lochte, the time to prove it is just about here. The Phelps-Lochte rivalry has become one of the most anticipated and compelling story lines of the Olympics and the public is ready to see the emergence of Lochte in London.

Let's take a look at five reasons why Lochte will be London's biggest star.

Reason No. 1: He's That Good

In 2008, Ryan Lochte was already a success. He had earned six career medals, including two gold, and set a world record in the 200-meter backstroke in Beijing. Yet, he still stood in the shadow of Michael Phelps.

That has drastically changed in the four years since. To say that Lochte has reloaded since Beijing would be an understatement.

He beat Phelps at the 2010 World Championships and then went five-for-five at the 2011 Worlds.

According to a Today show interview with Matt Lauer, that success fueled the laid-back Lochte to get even more serious in the final stretch to London.

Lochte, who admitted to Lauer he “lived at McDonald’s” in Beijing, changed his diet and began doing Strongman workouts that incorporated activities like keg-tossing and tire flipping into his training regimen.

With action in London about to start, the Phelps-Lochte rivalry has gained tons of attention and millions are ready to see just how good Lochte can be.

Reason No. 2: He's Got Swagger

At the 2007 World Championships, Lochte appeared on the podium wearing diamond grillz.

Then at the Olympic trials earlier this month, Lochte took to the podium with emerald rhinestone studded Speedo sneakers that he designed himself.

It’s just a regular day in the life of Lochte.

Lochte is not just a swimmer. It seems he lives a lifestyle similar to that of a hip-hop mogul outside of the pool: designing sneakers and clothes, break dancing, skateboarding and Tweeting.

Lochte’s laid-back everyman appeal and willingness to step outside of the lines and draw a little attention to himself has garnered the public’s interest.

And the Games haven’t even started…

Reason No. 3: The Media Love Lochte, and Lochte Loves Them Back

If you feel like you’ve seen Lochte everywhere in these weeks leading up to the Olympics, you would be right. He’s been on an exhaustive tour of media engagements, but Lochte is always happy to oblige for a sit down.

The New York Times did a profile of his status as a sex symbol. Before that, Lochte notably became only the fourth man to appear on the cover of Vogue, flanked by fellow female Olympians Hope Solo and Serena Williams in the June issue of the magazine.

“I’m the only one who had two girls,” Lochte proudly told Melena Ryzik of the New York Times about the shoot.

Additionally, he’s been on the cover of Time and Men’s Health magazines. Clearly, Lochte is enjoying his time in the media spotlight, which is guaranteed to only get brighter if he experiences success at the Games.

Reason No. 4: He's Got the Looks

To quote a very old song, it’s clear someone looked at Lochte and said “You oughta be in pictures.”

In case you haven’t noticed, Lochte’s got a face that’s Hollywood ready and a body that’s, well, Olympic.

With these assets, it’s no surprise that Lochte has endorsements with Gatorade, Gillette, Nissan and AT&T. He even has a contract with Ford Models.

Obviously, Lochte would be an Olympic star on swimming prowess alone, but let’s be honest— the looks help. And isn’t much of the appeal of the Olympics (especially to the many non-sports fans who tune in) about admiring the aesthetics of the fittest human beings on the planet?

The Olympics television contract isn’t one of the most coveted for nothing; it’s because of athletes with visual appeal like Lochte. 

Reason No. 5: People Are Tired of Michael Phelps

While we really appreciate the amazing accomplishments of Michael Phelps in the past two Olympics, Bob Dorfman said it best.

“We’re a little Phelps’d out,” the executive creative director of Baker Street Advertising told the New York Times.

People are ready for a new face in swimming, especially one that can prove he’s better than Phelps, which is exactly what Lochte is setting out to do.

Throughout his career, Phelps understandably has been pretty closed off, putting up subtle but clear boundaries between himself and the public and media. However, Lochte seems comfortable with another approach. He wants fans and the public to see the sides of him that do not involve swimming. For this reason, he’s relatable and a fan favorite. Even former great Matt Biondi is an admirer of Lochte after Lochte took a few extra minutes during the trials to sign autographs for Biondi’s sons.

“I’m a hugh Lochte fan forever now,” Biondi told Karen Crouse of the New York Times.

Finally, what sports fan doesn't want to see the next big thing challenge the legend? Given all that Phelps has accomplished, it sure makes it interesting to see an athlete like Lochte transform himself in order to come out of his shadow.