Lochte’s Olympic career likely over

Ryan Lochte’s gifts in the pool were nearly without peer. He won 12 Olympic medals — tied for second-most by a swimmer in history — and 27 more at world championships. He always had a soft spot for young fans, giving away some of his medals and sticking around until the last autograph seeker was satisfied. He wanted one more chance in a sport he loves, one more try at making everyone forget that night five years ago in Rio. He came up short. His bid to make a fifth Olympic team at age 36 ended Friday night with a seventh-place finish in the 200-meter individual medley. Only the top two swimmers earned berths for the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games. “Falling short and feeling like I let everyone down was one of the hardest things,” Lochte said, wiping away tears. “I just want to do it for everyone and prove to everyone that I have changed, I’m a different person, my life has definitely changed.” After being the last one out of the pool, he walked behind the starting blocks and hugged his father. He moved on to kiss wife, Kayla, and hold his daughter, Liv. Son Caiden was there, too.