Social Media Post Leads To Swim Ban For Ryan Lochte

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Gainesville, FL - A former Spruce Creek High School swimming star and 12-time Olympic medalist is banned from competition for the second time since the 2016 Summer Games in Brazil.

33-year-old Ryan Lochte accepted a 14-month ban from the United States Anti-Doping Agency after posting a photo on social media last May showing him receiving an intravenous vitamin treatment. That photo has since been removed.

In a press release announcing the suspension, the USADA says Lochte's treatment was greater than 100 milliliters, something which is not allowed without a special exemption.

"Intravenous infusions or injections in a volume greater than 100 mL within a 12-hour period are prohibited at all times except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital treatment, surgical procedures, or clinical diagnostic investigations," the release noted.

Speaking to the media afterward, Lochte said he was injecting legal vitamins, not a performance-enhancing drug.

"I have never taken a prohibited substance," Lochte said. "I have never attempted to gain any advantage over my competition."

Lochte's latest ban is retroactive to May, meaning he can return to competition in July 2019.

He was banned from competition for 10 months following the Rio games after claiming he was robbed at gunpoint during the event.