Who's Your Favorite Olympic Swimmer?

We asked our instructors who their favorite Olympic swimmer is, past or present, and their answers are somewhat surprising!  Nobody chose Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time!  Read below to find out who SLSS instructors claim as their favorite Olympic swimmer:

Kyle:

Ryan Lochte.  I was able to meet Ryan and swim with him in Daytona as a 10 year old right before his first Olympic Trials. Ever since then I've always been a huge fan of his as his career has taken off. He's a real nice guy and just loves to win and have fun.

Oscar:

Ryan Lochte. Despite his laid-back style, Lochte works hard both inside and outside of the pool. Although he has swam in the shadow of Michael Phelps for most of his career, he continues to train and looks to perform well this summer. His flashy clothing also adds to his overall original style as a unique swimmer.

Jason:

Ryan Lochte. He's my favorite swimmer because he is very diverse in swimming; he can swim each stroke very well.  I also like that he is laid back and at times, pretty funny.

Christy:

Ryan Lochte. Ryan Lochte is my favorite swimmer because he is an amazing swimmer. Even though most people think of Phelps when they think of Olympians, Lochte proves to everyone that he is still a force to reckon with.

Charlie:

Ryan Lochte. The reason I like Ryan Lochte is because he is a great swimmer and I like the mentality he has about swimming. Also, he was the underdog at the last Olympics and I would like to see him succeed.

Natalie:

Ryan Lochte. Lochte hasn't always been on top, but has always been a talented swimmer. After riding in Phelps’s shadow at the 2008 Olympics, he found the motivation to work even harder and will conquer at the 2012 Olympic games. Lochte is incredibly motivational because he never gives up and is incredibly humble.

April:

Amanda Beard. She's a breaststroker and she won a lot of medals at the Olympics.

Hannah:

Amanda Beard.  She is my favorite Olympic swimmer not only because I admire her ability to swim breastroke (my worst stroke!) but also because she has had to overcome a lot in life to get where she is now. An eating disorder, abusive relationship, drug abuse problem, in addition to the ups and down of swimming itself were all huge ordeals which she worked through while still striving for her Olympic dream. Not only is she a great swimmer, but a great role model, and recently a great mother and businesswoman as well!

Diana:

Rebecca Soni.  She is my favorite Olympic swimmer because not only she is an amazing swimmer, but also her strongest stroke is breaststroke, which makes me kind of biased because breaststroke is my favorite stroke ever! She swims with such agility and determination. That's what makes her stand out and strive for success.

Amy:

Aaron Peirsol. First off, he's a backstroker. Then there's the fact that he holds the world records in both the 100m and 200m back.  In 2011, Aaron retired from the profession of swimming.  He said that he "did everything (he) set out to do."  I love that Aaron had goals in the swim world, achieved those goals, and then was able to move on with the satisfaction that he accomplished what he wanted.  

Kirsten:

Natalie Coughlin.  I admire that Natalie Coughlin is a well-rounded individual in addition to her many Olympic triumphs; she is not only known for her athletic talents, but also for her class, intelligence, and engaging personality. In that, I think that she is a great role model for swimmers and women everywhere. As an 11-time Olympic medalist, she is the epitome of perseverance and displays the benefits of following one's heart.