Rivalry in sports is a ubiquitous thing. Every sport faces rivalry that becomes historic. One such competition that will do down as the greatest-ever rivalry is between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. Although Phelps previously had such competitiveness with several players, he once commented on his strange feeling of rivalry with Ryan Lochte.

Phelps indeed began to shine in Olympics before Ryan. He won titles and recognition at an early stage in his career. Phelps’s swimming skills are impeccable and cannot be compared to anyone. However, Lochte was no less. He is one of the few swimmers who defeated Phelps in multiple events at one point.

Phelps on his rivalry with Ryan Lochte

After making his debut in the 2000 Olympics, Phelps rose to fame by winning four gold medals and two silver medals in the 2003 World Championships. He made history in the 2004 Olympics in Athens becoming the first athlete to capture eight Olympic medals. However, in the same 200-individual medley event in which Phelps won the gold medal, Lochte was given the silver medal as he finished the race two seconds after Phelps.

This was the beginning of a toe-to-toe rivalry. Lochte pushed himself to become the greatest swimmer. He succeeded in the 200 and 400 individual medleys in World Championships. Finally, he was able to beat Phelps in the United States National Championships and the 2011 World Championships.

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During those days, Phelps skipped practice sessions. In an interview with Swimming World Magazine, he admitted that Lochte was highly focused on his performance.

“He keeps putting the races together that are helping him win. To be honest, he’s just more prepared. That’s really what it comes down to. Races are always won by the people who are most prepared. Give Ryan credit. We’ve been racing for years and he did the work to improve and put himself in the best position possible. I’m kind of playing catchup now. I think it’s more motivating. I remember back in 2000 and 2001 when I was trying to climb and climb and, finally, I got there. Being back in this position, I think, will be kind of fun.”

Ryan Lochte Finally Reveals the Strategy He Used to Defeat the Legendary Michael Phelps

However, Phelps made his comeback by defeating Lochte in the 200-individual medley event during the 2012 Olympic campaign.

Ryan Lochte once explained his motivation to challenge Michael Phelps

When Michael Phelps was at the top of his career, people felt that it was impossible to beat him. However, rival Lochte never believed in such notions. He carried a different thought process through which he succeeded in defeating Phelps.

The swimmer always believed in himself. Every time he competed, he told himself that he could win.

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Today both Lochte and Phelps are in different places. Phelps is doing great as a philanthropist after retirement, whereas Lochte continues to compete with no desire to retire.