Enhanced Games Draw Response From Ryan Lochte as He Backs Fellow Swimmers
August 30, 2016 - Omaha, Nebraska, U.S - Ryan Lochte, confirmed on Tuesday as a contestant on ���Dancing with the Stars,” confessed that he messed up big time at the Rio Olympic Games Olympische Spiele Olympia OS FILE PHOTO: Ryan Lochte leaves the pool after swimming the championship final of the Men s 100 m Butterfly during Day Six of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials at CenturyLink Center on July 1, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. Ryan Lochte - ZUMAp124
August 30, 2016 - Omaha, Nebraska, U.S - Ryan Lochte, confirmed on Tuesday as a contestant on ���Dancing with the Stars,” confessed that he messed up big time at the Rio Olympic Games Olympische Spiele Olympia OS FILE PHOTO: Ryan Lochte leaves the pool after swimming the championship final of the Men s 100 m Butterfly during Day Six of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials at CenturyLink Center on July 1, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. Ryan Lochte - ZUMAp124
The Enhanced Games have made waves on the internet after their inaugural season. The tournament allows athletes to use prohibited substances and also offers an impressive prize money pool.
It received mixed reactions from people and widespread attention from the media. Former Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte spoke about it in an interview with Rhiannon O’Donohoe, where he described it as a “life-changing opportunity for athletes.”
"They’re giving money that is life-changing for these athletes," he said, via Brobible. "When I was swimming, I was lucky enough to be paid by multiple sponsors and everything like that."
He backed his fellow athletes participating in the event and talked about Cody Miller.
“Cody Miller, a good friend of mine, I swam with him at the Olympics. He made $500,000 in two races [at the Enhanced Games]. That is life-changing for him and his family. And I know why he did it, because he wanted to help his family out," he added.
Jun 18, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Ryan Lochte holds a post race press conference after failing to make the U.S. Olympic Team during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Swimming competition at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Ryan Lochte holds a post race press conference after failing to make the U.S. Olympic Team during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Swimming competition at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Lochte also expressed optimism that more athletes will join the event in the future, calling it a step toward financial stability.
The first edition of the Enhanced Games was held last month in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unlike traditional tournaments, the winner of these events received $250,000 in prize money and a $1 million bonus for breaking a world record.
While Lochte did not participate in the event, he has recently taken on a new responsibility.
Ryan Lochte Appointed Assistant Coach at Missouri State
Ryan Lochte is taking on a new role in his illustrious career as he joins Missouri State to help athletes build their careers. The six-time Olympic gold medalist has been appointed as an assistant coach for the men’s and women’s swimming programs. He will begin his duties under head coach Dave Collins this summer.
Expressing excitement about the new role, Lochte said he is looking forward to guiding and supporting student-athletes in his new position.
"To now step into a coaching role and pour that experience back into student-athletes is something I take seriously," he said.
Lochte enjoyed a highly successful career, winning 12 medals at the Summer Games and 18 long-course world championship titles. He also excelled in short-course events and won 21 world titles.
Now, under his guidance, it will be interesting to see how things unfold for Missouri State. What do you think about Ryan Lochte’s new role and his views on the Enhanced Games? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Ankita Yadav
Edited by
Ankita Yadav