Olympics over, Lochte celebrates 28th birthday stress-free

LONDON: Friday was Ryan Lochte‘s first day of freedom – his Olympics were over, and he had five medals in hand. It was also his 28th birthday.

So how did he spend it?

By zipping around from interview to interview, gold medal in tow. He started with NBC’s Today show, and bounced around to E!, MSNBC, Nightly News, you name it. On separate occasions, Lochte posed for photos with former gymnast Shawn Johnson and former decathlete Bruce Jenner.

The best part of all of it, though, was that he was never too far from a group of people wearing “Team Lochte” T-shirts. They wanted to have a late birthday lunch with him.

“I got to finally see my family and say hi to them, so that was pretty cool,” Lochte told USA TODAY Sports Friday afternoon. “Lately, all I’ve been seeing is the swimming pool, the dining hall and then my bed. I’m able, finally, to relax.”

Lochte’s mother, Ike, said she was thrilled to spend time with her son. Because he’s been living at the Olympic Village and competing mornings and nights all week, Ike’s access to Lochte has been limited. Friday afternoon, there were lots of hugs to go around.

“I always see him, and I give him kisses and stuff like that, but I really never have a chance to hold him,” she said, her face breaking into a big grin. “I got to hold him.”

Lochte said he has plans to go sightseeing before he leaves London on August 8. He also wants to see Usain Bolt race the 100-meter dash and a basketball game.

The best part of being done with the Olympics – for now, since he plans to swim in Rio in 2016 – is that Lochte can eat whatever he wants. “Junk food,” Lochte said, laughing.