And I say “smile” because thus far it hasn’t been proven that Olympic Gold medalist Ryan Lochte can act. Still, that hasn’t stopped the offers from coming in, and he’s apparently said yes to a deal with E! for a show called What Would Ryan Lochte Do?.
Per the official announcement, the docu-series will have a six-episode season premiering in April 2013. The series will follow Lochte as he prepares for the 2016 Games in Rio.
Announcing the series, E! Entertainment President Suzanne Kolb said, “Ryan Lochte captured everyone’s attention at the Summer Olympics with his athletic prowess and his utterly unique and unaffected approach to life. He is an incredibly endearing personality who is sexy, entertaining, and fun. Watching this show, I believe people will fall into three categories: they want to be him, sleep with him or mother him.”
The Details:
In answer to the show’s central question, it turns out the 28-year-old Lochte would do just about anything for love, for family, for his friends, and for the embodiment of his personal philosophy, which is summarized in his signature phrase, “Jeah!”
In What Would Ryan Lochte Do?, the self-proclaimed King of Gainesville, Florida, lives life just like he swims … all out and at top speed. He hits the local club scene frequently, and always with an eye out for the right girl, but is then up early the next morning for rigorous training with his tough-as-nails coach, Gregg Troy. He shows off his huge collection of shoes – more than 150 pairs of sneakers, including the bright green high-tops he designed that have Ryan emblazoned in the sole of one and Lochte in the other – and gives us a look at the diamond-encrusted watch he designed and that is valued at more than a quarter of a million dollars.
And peppered throughout the show are those unpredictable, unfiltered and delightfully uninhibited “Lochteisms” for which he has already become legend. For example, on his regular swimming ritual: “I always pee in the pool … doesn’t everyone?”
Lochte remains grounded with the help of a loving, outspoken family. His mother, Ike, has transitioned from being the ultimate swim mom to taking on the role of Ryan’s life coach, which includes tips on dating. His older sisters, Kristen Lochte-Keeler and Megan Lochte-Torrini are always there to counsel and tease him. His younger brother, Devon, is his best friend and roommate who looks up to Ryan. Ryan’s sweet side is fully on display for the world to see in his affectionate relationship with his young nephews.
