Ryan Lochte: Predictions for Remainder of Swimmer's Disappointing Olympic Run

Ryan Lochte was Team USA's most hyped athlete entering the 2012 Summer Olympics. His performance in the 2011 World Championships catapulted his reputation beyond that of fellow American Michael Phelps.

It goes without saying that that's a big deal, but Lochte has struggled with the attention thus far. He earned a gold medal in his first individual event (400-meter individual medley), but he failed to medal in the 200-meter freestyle. He also single-handedly blew Team USA's lead in the 4x100-meter relay.

Lochte's gold-medal hopes were considered surefire by most. His talent and momentum from the world championships made him a "can't-miss" talent in London, but that hasn't been the case thus far.

We know what he's already done. Let's make some predictions regarding the rest of Lochte's Olympic experience.

Runaway Victory in 4x200 Freestyle Relay

It's not all bad news for Lochte. He failed to close the deal for Team USA's 4x100 freestyle relay team, but this team is going to win gold.

Of course, he isn't alone in this, so this prediction is larger than him, but I can make it about him. Lochte will pull his end of the bargain in the 4x200 freestyle relay. He will erase some doubts about his closing ability, but he won't totally erase the bitter memories associated with the prior upset.

Michael Phelps' presence, along with Lochte's, makes this race virtually impossible for the American team to lose. Barring a miracle, the gold medal will be theirs.

Lochte can't hang his hat on this one like he would an individual medal, but a win is a win either way. Medals add to anyone's Olympic legacy, and this one will push Lochte's resume in the right direction.

No Gold in 200-Meter Backstroke

This is Lochte's best event, or at least close to it. He won the gold medal here in 2008, and he won the gold in this event at the 2011 World Championships, but he isn't without challengers.

Japan's Ryosuke Irie won a bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke on Monday. He's a very talented swimmer, and he has the momentum from Monday's victory.

Lochte will win a medal, but it won't be gold. This will add to the list of upsets Team USA has already suffered. Lochte is the favorite to win gold in this event, and anything else will be considered a grave disappointment.

Irie is going to turn in an inspiring performance and dethrone Lochte as the world's best in this particular race.

With the way things have gone so far for the American swimmer, it just feels right.

Fall to Michael Phelps in 200-Meter Individual Medley

Ryan Lochte won a gold medal at the 2011 World Championships in this event, and Michael Phelps finished second. 

In 2008's Beijing games, Phelps won this event with a world-record performance. Lochte took home a bronze medal. Both athletes are accomplished in this event, but Phelps will triumph on the Olympic stage.

Lochte doesn't have what it takes to outdo Phelps in this event. He won the gold in 2008, and he won it in 2004 as well. This event (like most) is his bread and butter. 

Lochte managed to triumph over Phelps in the 400-meter individual medley in London, but he may not have the same advantages in this one. Phelps was stuck in the eighth lane, and Lochte took advantage of that.

Expect experience to pay off. Phelps knows how many medals he needs to become the all-time winningest athlete in Olympic history (two), and that's all the motivation he will need.

Adding to that is Lochte's possible fatigue. This will be his second event in a row after swimming the 200-meter backstroke prior to this race.

It's a long and discouraging equation.

Shortcomings Will Be Remembered

Olympic fans won't remember Lochte's gold medal in the 400-meter individual medal before thinking about his shortcomings in London.

That's the nature of the beast. If you want to be considered the best, you had better perform that way, or people will remember you for being "that guy" who failed to live up to expectations. 

I'm sure Lochte hopes that people remember the good things from his Olympic run, but his failures were much more obvious.

Losing the lead for Team USA's 4x100 freestyle relay team wasn't a crowning achievement, but it etches Lochte into the brain of every American swimming. As this year's "star," he was expected to carry his group down the stretch. Instead, he blew it.

Some will find it sad, but true. Lochte's gold medal is nothing to snub your nose at, but it's outweighed by his missed opportunities. 

Not on Same Wavelength as Michael Phelps

If you're still comparing Ryan Lochte to Michael Phelps by the end of London's Olympics, just stop. I don't know what else to tell you. 

Lochte is a talented swimmer, and he showed that when he won a gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley on Saturday, but he didn't live up to expectations as the anchor of Team USA's 4x100 freestyle relay team. On top of that, he didn't even medal in the 200-meter freestyle.

As you've already read, I expect him to keep falling short.

This is the guy who won five gold medals at the 2011 World Championships. After that, he was heralded as Phelps' obvious replacement as Team USA's top swimmer, and he still is, but one thing has been made very clear.

No one, at least not for a very long time, is going to be Phelps. His combination of talent, focus and willpower make him a unique menace in the water. There's a reason he's accomplished all that he has.

Lochte is a talented swimmer, but the Phelps comparisons must stop now.