Gold medalist to swim for charity
Cody Lutz, In Motion Staff Writer
On Thursday, April 30, Daytona State College will host the inaugural Olympic Splashdown event at the college's L. Gale Lemerand Center. The event will feature a 200 meter individual-medley competition between Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte and local businessman Charlie Lydecker.
What started off as an idea only four months ago has quickly blossomed into one of the largest events in the history of Daytona State College. When Daytona State announced its new swim team last December, Daytona State President Kent Sharples had an idea for a fundraising event to get the swim team off the ground.
"Dr. Sharples came up with the idea to have one of our local swimmers like Charlie Lydecker face-off with Ryan Lochte," said new Daytona State swim coach Steve Lochte. "Me being Ryan's father, I volunteered his time and effort. We kicked the idea around and talked about it, and it has evolved into a major fundraising event for the college. It's going to be a lot of fun, and it's great exposure for the greater Daytona Beach community."
Ryan Lochte, winner of two gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, currently holds the current American record of 140.08 seconds in the 200 meter IM.
Coach Steve Lochte says that this is a great opportunity for people in the community to witness an Olympic-style event in person. "They have seen Ryan on television in the Olympics, but here is the chance to watch the world record holder, the second fastest male swimmer in the world, in action. It's going to be an educational night for the community. A lot of respect will come to Daytona State College because of this."
Lochte's competition, local swimmer and businessman Charlie Lydecker, agrees. "Ryan is awesome to watch in this event and it will raise money for a great cause."
Lydecker is Executive Vice President of Brown & Brown, Inc. He is not your average swimmer, though. Lydecker has competed in and won several events during his amateur swimming career, including the 1.5-mile swim portion of the 27th Annual Escape from the Rock Triathlon at Alcatraz in San Francisco. Coach Lochte calls Lydecker a "true athlete," and says that Charlie is getting himself tuned up for the race.
Lydecker will receive approximately a 20-second head start to begin the race. Coach Lochte says that Ryan might have a hard time overcoming such a lead.
"It's going to take a lot out of Ryan to beat him, but Ryan doesn't like to lose. And neither does Charlie."
Asked about the face-off, Ryan Lochte said, "I'll race anybody at any time, including Lydecker. To raise money for education just makes it even better."
The event will also feature appearances by famous athletes such as three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines. Food and entertainment will be offered in the Lemerand Center prior to the race.
According to Daytona State Athletic Director Will Dunne, over 400 people are expected to attend the event.
Guests will arrive at 5:30 pm, with the race to take place around 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at the college's website for $100.00 each, but seating is limited.
Be the first to comment on this story