Ryan Lochte is an American Olympic swimmer, recognized for his extensive medal count and achievements in various competitive swimming events. After earning a gold medal in the 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay and a silver in the 200-meter individual medley at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Ryan Lochte went on to become one of the most decorated male swimmers in Olympic history. He demonstrated his prowess at the 2006 FINA short-course world championships, setting world records in the 100-meter backstroke, 200-meter backstroke, and 200-meter individual medley. In 2007, he achieved his first long-course world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the FINA world championships, solidifying his position as a formidable competitor.

He followed this with a world-championship gold medal in the 200-meter individual medley and a silver in the 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay at the 2015 FINA world swimming championships. Lochte earned his sixth career Olympic gold medal as part of the 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay team at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Following the Rio Games, Lochte faced a 10-month suspension by the United States Olympic Committee and USA Swimming, followed by a 14-month suspension in 2018 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for a therapeutic use exemption violation.

He did not qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in 2021 and subsequently did not participate in the trials for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, marking a pivot in his competitive Olympic trajectory.