Zeb White
Asst. Business Manager, Staff Writer
Bob Bowman, the swimming coach that helped Michael Phelps become an internationally renowned winner of 14 Olympic gold medals, no longer thinks that Phelps is the best U.S. swimmer. According to Bowman, Phelps’ American teammate, Ryan Lochte, has taken the crown.
“Obviously, Ryan Lochte is the best swimmer in the world this year. No question,” Bowman said.
Bowman’s bold statement may come as no surprise after Lochte’s stellar results at this summer’s Pan Pacific Championships last month. Lochte beat Phelps directly in two head-to-head races and too home six gold medals to Phelps’ five.
Though Lochte is ahead for now, Bowman doesn’t expect Phelps to be second-best for long.
“[Lochte] will be a huge challenge for Michael going forward, hopefully a motivator,” Bowman said.
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