Donovan, Music, Sports & Health

Ryan Lochte Channels Nirvana For ESPN’s Music Issue

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Prior to the London 2012 Olympics, I thought Ryan Lochte was the sexiest swimmer out there. Of course, that was before I heard him speak. From his post-race interviews, to his attempt to make his catchphrase “jeah” happen, the 28-year-old Olympian came off as the biggest douche out there. Albeit the sexiest douche, but a douche nonetheless.

It’s only fitting that ESPN and Lochte chose Nirvana’s Nevermind album cover to recreate. Let’s face it, he probably has the same IQ as the baby in the iconic record artwork. That said, he does a pretty good job of copying the image. The only difference is that Ryan is wearing Speedo. Too bad he didn’t fully commit to the project and go au naturel like the baby 😉

“If you look at the baby, he’s definitely happy in the water, and that’s what I am … and he’s chasing after a dollar bill, so he’s always on the grind,” says the swimmer. “Usually, when I go swimming, I have goggles on. So when I didn’t have my goggles on for this shoot my eyes were definitely burning. [Blinks a lot.] Am I blinking a lot? ‘Cause I feel like it. Hopefully everyone’s reaction when they see it, they’ll be like, dang, look at that guy. I honestly think I nailed the shot.” – Ryan Lochte

Lochte was one of many athletes participating in ESPN’s annual music issue. Photographed by Matthias Clamer, several well-known figures covering a wide range of sports posed to emulate their favorite musicians. From Beyonce, Devo, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson and Bob Dylan to everything in between, every genre of music is represented. Check out Ryan’s photo along with a few of my favorites below.

For behind the scenes pics of Lochte’s recreation, click here.

For behind the scenes pics of Josh Freeman’s recreation, click here.

For behind the scenes pics of Alex Morgan’s recreation, click here.

For behind the scenes pics of Allyson Felix’s recreation, click here.

Do you think Ryan nailed the assignment? Are you a fan of Lochte? Which recreation is your favorite? For even more athlete-singer transformations, head over to ESPN’s music issue.

  • That is soo badass.

    I think the Katy + Beyonce ones are almost spot-on, except she needs a floppier hat + Allyson’s hair needs to be a bit bigger. The Michael one is good, the cat needs to be hanging forward over his leg more + the athlete should be sitting a bit more upright, + the nirvana shot w/o Ryan’s penis means they should have just forgone doing that one altogether.

  • justin

    so fucking sexist of course they choose sexy female album covers but for the men they chose something iconic because what women dont make good music with iconic album covers.
    its subtle sexist things like this that people need to realize and stop with the sexism.
    why not redo an iconic female album from the same time frame or better yet why not something with less sex and more substance. lauryn hill’s album cover would have been good or a madonna ray of light. i think they could have done a less exist and better job of representing music.

  • Browny Pacanovski

    Ryan Lochte nailed it except that his picture is missing one important element: the dangling penis! It would have made the photo even greater as it is!

  • DouggSeven

    What do any of these idiots have to do with music?

  • OdetoFear

    Boo! Why pick that Nirvana album if they’re not gonna go all the way? Either show the pene or do something else.

    I get what you’re saying @Justin, they chose super iconic covers for the men and just recent pop for the women. There are plenty of iconic female album covers The Miseducation of Lauren Hill, Homogenic by Bjork, Patti Smith Horses, Madonna’s Ray of Light, Carly Simon’s No Secrets. Bette Midler’s The Devine Miss M. Those are just the ones at the top of my head.