Former Gator Ryan Lochte Honored by Florida House of Representatives, Dwayne Taylor
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | Men's Swimming & Diving
The Florida House of Representatives honored former Gator swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte (Daytona Beach, Fla.), Wednesday morning in Tallahassee, Fla., at the State Capitol, commending his accomplishments as a Florida graduate both in and out of the swimming pool.
Lochte's recognition on the House floor was sponsored by the Volusia Delegation, and in particular, Representative Dwayne Taylor, also of Daytona Beach, who prepared remarks. Taylor, the Daytona Beach City Commissioner from 2003-08, was elected to the House in 2008 and represents District 27 in Volusia County, Fla.
"Ryan is an inspiration to all of us,” Taylor said. “He is truly a great American. I know that the Gator Nation is very proud of him.”
Lochte, a 2008 U.S. Olympian, won his first individual gold medal at the 2008 Games in Beijing, capturing the World Record in the 200-meter backstroke and becoming the first Gator U.S. men's swimmer to win an individual gold medal.
In all, Lochte brought home four medals from Beijing, two gold (200 back, 800 free relay) and two bronze (200 IM, 400 IM), bringing his overall Olympic medal total to six, the most of any men's swimmer in Florida history. Lochte still owns the most NCAA men's titles in UF history, with seven.
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