There's a reason why swimming is supposed to be a non-contact sport.
USA TODAY Sports is reporting that three-time U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte was hurt earlier this week in Florida after an excitable teenaged girl ran toward him and jumped at him.
Lochte suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and a sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after he had to catch the teenager. Lochte reportedly lost his balance, and the two toppled over.
The girl reportedly was uninjured. Lochte hit his knee on a curb.
"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," said a statement released by his publicist. "His medical team expects him to make a full and speedy recovery and Ryan thanks everyone for their well wishes."
The MCL is not considered as crucial a ligament to the stability of the knee as the ACL. Football players who sustain torn MCLs usually are able to return to play within a few weeks, while torn ACLs require months of recovery time.
Lochte won two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal during the 2012 London Games. According to USA TODAY Sports, Lochte had been training in North Carolina.
Lochte has 11 career Olympic medals while competing in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. He has five gold, three silver and three bronze medals. Seven of his medals are in individual competitions.
He currently holds the world record in the 100-meter individual medley, 200-meter individual medley (long and short course), and the 400-meter individual medley (short course).
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