Lochte Sets First World Record Since Banning Of Bodysuits

American swimmer Ryan Lochte set the first individual swimming world record since high-tech bodysuits were banned, winning the 400-meter individual medley at the short-course world championships on Thursday, Dec. 16.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

American swimmer Ryan Lochte set the first individual swimming world record since high-tech bodysuits were banned, winning the 400-meter individual medley at the short-course world championships on Thursday, Dec. 16. Triathlon has also dealt with the bodysuit controversy. The World Triathlon Corporation banned the use of neoprene in non-wetsuit swims, forcing athletes to switch to bodysuits made of 100% textile materials for the Ironman World Championship back in October.

Lochte finished the race in 3 minutes, 55.50 seconds, smashing the previous record set by Laszlo Cseh of Hungary a year ago by nearly two seconds.

“I wasn’t really expecting that,” Lochte said. “I was going out there to race the field. I had no idea where I was at during the race.”

Click here to read more.

Trending on Triathlete

Jan Frodeno Reflects on His Final Ironman World Championship

Immediately after finishing 24th place at his final Ironman World Championships, the Olympic medalist (and three-time IMWC winner) explains what his race in Nice meant to him.

Keywords: