Lochte told NBC's Matt Lauer on Friday's "Today" show that he wants to appear on “Dancing With the Stars” or “The Bachelor,” two popular ABC reality shows.
The Olympic swimmer, winner of five medals at this summer’s London games, is looking to take some time off after his triumphs. He has already made a video for Will Ferrell's Funny or Die making light of his penchant for urinating in the pool, but the Rochester, N.Y.-native has grander ambitions.
Moving to LA is his first priority, though it is unclear whether that will happen before or after the next Olympics.
“I definitely want to move to LA, that’s been a big goal of mine -- getting into fashion,” said Lochte, who now lives in Florida. “That is my passion. When swimming is all said and done, I want to get into fashion and design my own clothing line.”
Reality TV could come first, as Lochte’s agent Erika Wright has said that the swimmer is already fielding TV offers.
For the right athlete, the Olympics can be a springboard to numerous endorsement opportunities.
Kellogg's has already put gymnast Gabby Douglas, winner of two gold medals, on a box of corn flakes. Sports marketing experts predict she could earn as much as $4 million annually over the next couple of years.
Lochte, who already has a series of major endorsement deals, seems set on reality TV – at least until his fashion career gets going.
"I'm definitely looking towards 'Dancing with the Stars' and 'The Bachelor," he told Lauer. Paging ABC.
As for what Lochte might bring to “The Bachelor,” it was Lochte’s own mother who said her son did not have time for relationships. He’s a one-night stand kind of guy.
His mother Ike then qualified those comments, saying Ryan just goes on one or two dates to protect the girls.
The 11-time medalist spent his birthday hanging on a couch with his family. A family man indeed.
