USA Swimming Trials for 2016 Olympics: Ryan Lochte Fails to Qualify for 400-Meter IM, Michael Phelps Drops 200-Meter Freestyle
Chase Kalisz and Jay Litherland Show Dominance During Trials
Eleven-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte swam short in the 400-meter individual medley trial competition on Sunday, where he failed to qualify.
Early Lead but Slow Final Leg
The 39-year-old swimmer previously won the event during the 2012 London Olympics so the result came as a shock to many. He reportedly established a lead for the first two legs but slowed down when it came to the breaststroke and freestyle.
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His pace pushed him on the far third position behind Chase Kalisz and Jay Litherland. After the event, Lochte revealed that he was nursing a groin muscle injury when he swam for the individual medley.
"I had to go out faster than usual because I couldn't use my legs in the breaststroke," Lochte explained. "I did everything I could in that race, it just wasn't enough. Just got to forget about that and move forward."
Can Lochte Rest His Injured Groin Muscle?
On a positive note, Lochte will have no spare time to rest his injury since he will be competing for the 200-meter freestyle on Monday. He noted that he would have to assess his condition when he wakes up and have a cortisone shot if necessary.
Doctors have informed the swimmer and his coach, David Marsh, that Lochte's performance will now depend on his ability to tolerate the pain from the injury.
No More 200-Meter Freestyle for Phelps
Another big name in the Olympics, Michael Phelps, has dropped the 200-meter freestyle, leaving him with only four events for the USA Swimming trial. He is set to swim for the 200-butterfly competition on Tuesday, his first event in the swimming trials.
Phelps is also scheduled to compete for the 100 fly, 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle. Aside from these events, the 30-year-old swimmer is also busy cheering for Kalisz and Litherland.
He said that Litherland's feat was not a surprise since he is aware of his skills. Kalisz, on the other hand, is Phelps training partner whom he considers as a brother.
Who Will Participate in the Relay?
Those who will finish in the top 6 of the 100 and 200 freestyle will be chosen for the relay Olympic events. Participating swimmers can also be chosen by the USA Swimming coaching team.
