Olympic Swimming Results 2012: Why Michael Phelps Should Thank Ryan Lochte

Michael Phelps should thank Ryan Lochte—that’s what no one in the swimming world expected to hear.

Lochte and Phelps are battling in a classic tale of the old guard versus the new. Phelps, the most decorated athlete in Olympic history, arrived in London with many questions.

The main one was whether Phelps could duplicate his run in Beijing. Ryan Lochte, Phelps’ main competition on the US Team, was at his heels waiting for his turn for the gold.

Presently, Lochte is ahead of Phelps in medals for this year’s Olympics.

Yet, Phelps has a few reasons to thank Lochte. Here’s why he should congratulate and respect his rival.

First Gold Medal

It was Ryan Lochte who gave Michael Phelps his first gold medal of the 2012 Olympics.

Both were part of the 200-meter medley. Lochte maintained the lead while Phelps closed the event in the home stretch.

The US got the gold, while Russia took the silver and Australia took the bronze.

Phelps struggled winning a gold medal before the 200-meter event. He almost won the 200-meter butterfly but lost by a fingertip to South Africa’s Chad le Cros.

If it hadn’t been for Lochte, Phelps might not have gotten back to his winning ways. Who knows what would have happened if Lochte didn’t get that lead? 

No Distractions

It’s been an intriguing offseason for Michael Phelps.

After Beijing, a photo swirled of Phelps allegedly smoking marijuana. Phelps later admitted the photo was real and was later disciplined by USA Swimming Committee.

Phelps was able to put this behind him and focus on training, until teammate Tyler Clary insulted Phelps’ work routine.

Clary told Press-Enterprise columnist Jim Alexander Phelps was lazy and called out Phelps before the Olympics.

Phelps got rid of the distractions and went back to work. He focused on his rivalry with Lochte and moved forward working on strengthening his competitive edge.

Notoriety

Thanks to Lochte helping Phelps win Olympic gold, Phelps reached a plateau rarely achieved by any athlete.

Phelps won the most gold medals in Olympic history with 19 and counting. That record would not have been more prestigious if Phelps didn’t have to compete against his rival, Lochte.

Lochte’s ability provoked Phelps to return to his competitive self.

It was the rivalry with Lochte that made Phelps better at his current age. Phelps may not be his old self, but he is still a threat and now the target to contend with by all swimmers, especially Lochte.

Phelps would have been in the limelight without Lochte, but having Lochte there places a spotlight on Phelps.

Competitive Rivalry

You’re only as good as your enemy.

The spirited rivalry between Phelps and Lochte has been a great story of two competitive athletes.

Lochte just approached the Phelps’ legend. Lochte simply wanted what Phelps had—namely, notoriety and creating his own legacy.

No one should blame Lochte for wanting this. It’s at Phelps’s expense where the feud suffers from picking sides.

Lochte just went after Phelps, making some fans defensive. They took a side, and both sides realize they need each other to dominate the swimming world.

Stories of Legend

The rivalry and notoriety of Phelps and Lochte will provide many classic Olympic stories.

From their struggles to triumphs as teammates and enemies, fans will be talking about this rivalry for quite some time.

The interesting tale comes from Michael Phelps trying to hold off the upstart in Ryan Lochte. Phelps, the favorite, still has something to prove as “the man.” Lochte wants to become the favorite.

The rivalry only enhances the legend of Michael Phelps. He already has the most medals out of any athlete in Olympic history. Fans and fellow athletes will pass these stories on to their children.

So we owe Ryan Lochte many thanks. His rivalry made Phelps better, and thus gave us an exciting Olympics.