Lochte (aka Reezy) is easy to like, even love. If you don't know him, or only know him through his interviews or races or fan-videos, you might think his mien is a rouse.
No one could really be that laid-back? That's what I assumed.
He really is like what you see. He lives in the moment. The guy's emotionally free...
Women, of course, love him, because he's Reezy eye-candy. But I should point-out that he's exceedingly serious about his swimming.
Coming off of an Olympic performance, particularly Lochte's performance in Beijing, is emotionally draining. The fact that Lochte's back in the water shows fierce determination. Every day out of practice costs you two to get back into shape. We're only 4 months away from the Olympics and Lochte's back in top form! I think he's going to shine at next year's World Champs in Rome!
Matt Grevers, the gentle giant, is another example of a laid-back athlete. Don't be fooled, though. Grevers has only recently come into his own--and at the age of 23. I think the giant's going to be ravenously hungry. This year he's just gotten a taste of what it feels like to truly be a world-class athlete. The more he wins, the more I think he'll become mean--as a competitor I mean.
Out of the water, Grevers is gregarious, media-friendly, another rising star. Check him out, unveiling his new tat:
Tyler Clary is USA Swimming's new Olympic hope. Only 19, he got 3rd at Olympic Trials in the 200 backstroke. Tyler's a clutch swimmer. He can do anything; 200 & 400 IM, 200 & 400 free. Tyler can even swim fly... He really can do anything...
IN SWIMMING NEWS:
Head Coach of Aussie Swimming, Alan Thompson, wants FINA to ban all new racing suits. (Thanks, Mikayla Cooke, for pointing this feature out.) Alan's a good guy, and obviously a brilliant coach. Some folks are intimidated by him. I don't know why. Alan's a sweetheart. Checkout my interview with him, earlier this year in Santa Clara.
Garrett Weber-Gale, one of my favorite Olympic bloggers,is back in the news. Check out this great feature on him where he explains the story behind his high-blood pressure, and why he's such a strict health foodie.
Michael Phelps pitched his new book on The Colbert Report. If you missed it, here's a hulu link.
Kevin Van Valkenburg, reporter for the Baltimore Sun, probably knows Michael Phelps better than anyone (save Bob Schaller and Alan Abrahamson, co-authors of Phelps last two memoirs). Kevin reviews Phelps' second memoir by Abrahamson, putting the book into perspective. Kevin essentially says "What can be revealed that hasn't already?" Kevin goes on to explain that, while Alan is a great writer, choosing to write Phelps' memoir in the 1st person wasn't the best idea. Alan's older and eloquent, much more so than a 23 year old star Olympian. (I'm buying Phelps' memoir just to have a copy. Bad or good--which I'll determine for myself when I read it--I want the book for memorabilia.)
Michael Phelps continues to take-over the world, including the rap world, thanks to Lil Wayne & Young Jeezy! (Jamie Cail, my Facebook friend, you're awesome! Thanks for pointing this vid out!)
Amaury Leveaux's WORLD RECORD in the short course meters 50 free is finally on youtube. He broke it at European Championships, Dec 11th:
Thank you so much for the Lochte video.. it made my day...
Posted by: Bianca | December 16, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Heather, thanks! It's Sunday morning, and I'm 2 cups of joe into the day....
Posted by: goldmedalmel | December 14, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Where to begin. I am still not over the Lochte Love video, I'm giving Tif the virtual *high five* for her fantastic video editing skills.
There are many things that have gotten me through finals week... They have been (in no particular order): 1. Your witty blogs, B. Your videos of Ryan Steven Lochte, III. a seemingly endless supply of Dunkin Donuts coffee (and the reason a little more broke than normal... anyway), 4. Facebook, E. Your videos of Ryan Steven Lochte.
Keep it up, Mel. You are way too good to us!
BTW-- I have to give Candace the bow down for the Wendy Peppercorn comment, because that was one of the most fantastic analogies I've heard in awhile!
Posted by: Heather | December 13, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Kris, I haven't gotten MP's book yet, but def will now. Thanks for the heads up. Honestly, you're the first person to give me any positive feedback. Glad to hear it....
Posted by: goldmedalmel | December 13, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Thanks for the interview with Tyler Clary, I will definitely watch out for him in the future.
MP's new book is definitely worth a (quick) read. If it takes you more than 2 hrs, I'll be shocked. It's no literary masterpiece, and the style isn't perfect, but on a certain level MP gives his personal opinions on races, other swimmers, the sport, and the ups and downs of training, which make it a worthwhile read. The stuff he says about "Doggy" and their shaving escapades is pure gold.
Last but not least, Oh Ryan. Sigh. You are too good to us GMM :)
Posted by: Kris | December 13, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Thanks, Kimmie!!!
Posted by: goldmedalmel | December 13, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Candace!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the comment! Of course, I feel like Squints, w/the glasses, and the painfully awkward memories of my preteens. Every guy has experienced a Wendy Peppercorn. (I'm going to show Tif the vid, see what she thinks... I agree w/u. Lochte is a male Peppercorn.)
Posted by: goldmedalmel | December 13, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Lily, MP's deal w/Speedo is solid. (BTW, Lochte's contact w/Speedo is long-term, apparently longer than MP's....) Rumors were flying that MP might leave Speedo for Nike, but that's not going to happen according to my contacts. NIKE (a great brand and very important to swimming), is deciding how to best continue their market grab. They've made pretty big gains these last few years, but MP's not going to be a part of their team. Cullen Jones is, and will continue to be....
Posted by: goldmedalmel | December 13, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Matt Grevers is so adorable! :)
There are no words for Lochte. Totally agree with Candace! Wendy Peppercorn all the way!
GMM, you are amazing...
Posted by: Kimmie | December 13, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Hey Mel, can you tell us anything about Phelps' Speedo deal? Is it possible that MP is leaving Speedo? I mean anything is possible,I know, Lochte left Octagon...
Posted by: Lily | December 13, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Love love love Matt Grevers. Another very genuine character.
All I have to say about Lochte is that he is literally the male version of Wendy Peppercorn. If you don't know what I'm talking about please proceed to watch this clip courtesy of the 90s movie classic "The Sandlot"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr5lHZQz-Z4
Ryan Lochte is Wendy Peppercorn and the ladies of the world are collectively represented by Squints.
Posted by: Candace | December 13, 2008 at 11:53 AM