Ryan Lochte on not swimming with Michael Phelps: ‘I’m definitely going to miss him’

Now that Michael Phelps has announced he will officially retire from swimming, Ryan Lochte will be the star of the show for Team USA in the pool. Anytime the most decorated Olympian of all time is not competing, other swimmers have a better chance to take home a medal. While no Phelps could mean a better shot at a gold for Lochte and others in 2016, Ryan says he is going to miss the rivalry and camaraderie.

“I’ve been racing against him for eight years, and every time I go up on the blocks he’s right there next to me, so I’m used to it,” Lochte said on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno Thursday according to US Weekly. “He’s one of the hardest racers I’ve ever had to come across so I’m definitely going to miss him.”

When asked about the rivalry between the two, Lochte said that only exists in the water.

“We kind of leave everything in the pool,” he explained.

Outside of the pool, Phelps and Lochte appear to get along. They have been known to compliment each other on Twitter and can often be seen joking around with one another. The good news for Lochte is that he might have a little less competition now when trying to sell his lame apparel and promote his bizarre catchphrase. The good news for Phelps is that he no longer has to be in the pool next to Lochte when he pees in it.