RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (WHDH) - United States swimmer Ryan Lochte is taking part in his fourth Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and has made some changes to remain one of the best swimmers in the world.
Lochte, 31, has moved to North Carolina to start a new training regime with a new coach. He said he now focuses on technique and sprinting. He has also cut back on extracurricular activities to focus more on swimming.
Lochte said he has started eating healthier, hiring Lebron James’ former personal chef after they met on Twitter. He said the changes were difficult to go through at first.
“I was always the kid growing up that could eat anything. Go to McDonald’s, eat candy, drink soda, go out, party all night, and still perform and do good the next day. That’s definitely not the case anymore. My nutrition is probably off the charts from what it used to be,” said Lochte. While he has changed his eating habits, the New York native said he still keeps his 23-year-old tradition of pizza and wings on Friday.
Lochte said the changes have rejuvenated his love of swimming and he does not want to think about retirement yet.
“The thing that keeps me around is the goals that I want to accomplish in the sport of swimming,” said Lochte. “I won’t stop until that’s done. And I’m having so much fun racing these other guys. It’s definitely a lot of fun and I’m going to keep doing it until I stop having fun.”
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