KAZAN, Russia — Coming off the worst year of his career, U.S. star Ryan Lochte has rebuilt his health and his psyche.
He is eager to find out how the work he has put in stacks up against the rest of the world with a year to go until the Rio de Janeiro Olympics begin.
Lochte and fellow world-record holders Missy Franklin and Katie Ledecky lead a veteran American team into the swimming portion of the world championships, which begins Sunday at Kazan Arena. It’s a soccer stadium with temporary competition and warm-up pools on the field.
The U.S. team and the rest of the world won’t be overshadowed by Michael Phelps, who is missing the year’s biggest international meet after being suspended by USA Swimming for a second DUI-related arrest.
Unlike two years ago in Barcelona, Spain, Phelps won’t be cheering from the stands. He will be swimming against lesser competition at the U.S. summer nationals in San Antonio during the world meet.
Meanwhile, eight days of swimming are set to start in Russia. Franklin, a former Regis Jesuit High School star, and Ledecky will each swim four individual events — and likely relays — for the U.S. women. None of their male teammates will compete in more than three individual events.
Lochte owns 23 career medals at worlds — second to Phelps’ record of 33 — and will have an opportunity to add to his total in the 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley. It’s a lighter load than usual for Lochte, who hopes to be chosen for all three relays.
Last year, Lochte struggled with a knee injury and battered confidence.
“I just wasn’t there mentally and physically,” he said. “I’m getting my confidence back. I’ve been a lot more focused. This meet is just a steppingstone to what I want to accomplish next year at the Olympics.”
