US swim star Ryan Lochte is looking to bounce back from what he describes as his ‘worst year’ in 2014 when the world swimming championships begin on Sunday.
With 15 world championship gold medals to his name, Lochte is one of the most decorated swimmers at the Kazan world championships and is hunting his fourth straight gold in the 200m individual medley.
But a poor performance by his own lofty standards at last year’s USA trials means Lochte will swim the 200m IM and 200m freestyle in Kazan – the fewest individual events he has ever raced at a major international meet in 11 years.
He is the first to admit 2014 was a significant blip in his glittering career after returning too soon following torn knee ligaments in 2013.
He won just one gold at last August Pan Pacific Games in Australia in the 4x200m freestyle relay and thoughts of retirement entered the 30-year-old’s mind.
It was the first time Lochte failed to win multiple individual medals at a major meeting since the 2004 Athens Olympics.
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“After 2012, I didn’t have a bad year in 2013, but 2014 was one of the worst of my swimming careers. I just wasn’t there mentally or physically,” he said.
Gone are the days of pizza and chicken wings on a Friday night as he knuckled down to some serious training.
“I started to train again properly. I’ve been more focused and taking care of my body inside and outside of the pool.
And Lochte says his confidence is coming back.
“The biggest improvement this year has been my confidence. Now that I’m back in shape, I’m getting my confidence back and everything is looking good for 2016 (Olympics in Rio).”
