Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte won’t be diving back into the pool anytime soon.
Lochte, 29, suffered a freak knee injury on Sunday during a trip to Florida, USA Today reports. The five-time Olympic gold medalist reportedly tore his MCL and sprained the ACL in his left knee, and will require surgery to repair the damage.
The freak injury was reportedly caused by an encounter with an overly-enthusiastic fan, TMZ reports. Lochte attempted to greet a teenage girl, who was so excited that she tackled the three-time Olympian to the ground. His knee struck the curb, resulting in the MCL tear. The unidentified female fan did not suffer any injuries.
In a Tuesday statement, Lochte’s publicist explained the circumstances behind the accident, USA Today reports. “As a result of a freak injury caused by an unexpected fan encounter, Ryan has suffered a torn MCL and an ACL sprain and will be taking a break from training and competition,” the statement read. “His medical team expects him to make a full and speedy recovery and Ryan thanks everyone for their well wishes.”
Lochte’s knee injury will force him to take some time away from his Olympic training. The swimmer’s representatives confirmed that he will take an immediate break from competition to ensure that the knee heals in the proper fashion.
Lochte was one of the lynchpins of the United States’ Men’s swimming team at the London Olympics, where he won two gold medals, two silver medals, and a bronze medal, USA Today notes. He has spent the last few months training in Charlotte, N.C., but has spent much of his swimming career training in Gainesville, Fla., with coach Gregg Troy.
Ryan Lochte Tackled By Teenage Girl And Suffers Freak Knee Injury [PHOTO]
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