Lochte Leaving Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte is losing Olympic Swimmer Ryan Lochte.

He announced that he’s not retiring, but he is planning to move to California.

Friday, one SwimMac Carolina coach gave WCCB Charlotte a glimpse of the pool where he trained while putting Olympic swimming in the spotlight.

“Yeah, there was a lot of exciting training sets going on and things to keep an eye on with these guys,” said Russ Kasl.

Kasl is one coach at SwimMAC where the four-time world record setter spent the last three years training for Rio.

“He has had an awesome career,” said Kasl. “There’s so much he has done to bring USA swimming in the spotlight.”

Lochte is one of the most recognizable faces in swimming, known for hard work and personality. He won gold in Rio in the men’s 4-by-200 relay, bringing home his 12th Olympic medal.

However, he won’t be staying in Charlotte long. The news of his move to California comes after an injury left this Olympic run with disappointing results.

“I’m kinda bummed, but I gave it my all so,” said Lochte after finishing fifth in the one individual event he qualified for this Olympic games.

At 32-years-old, Lochte faced the question of retirement.

“I’m going to need some time off just a break mentally and physically, and who knows, I might be back,” said Lochte.

Lochte later announced he won’t go out in fifth place. He will train for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“This is the first time we’re seeing a lot of swimmers really continue,” said Kasl. “We’ve seen it a little bit with other swimmers extending their career this long, but it it gets tougher.”

It’s a move he’ll make with full support of his Charlotte team.