Ryan Lochte fails to qualify, won't defend Olympic gold in 400IM

OMAHA, June 27 (UPI) -- United States' men's swim team will have a different look in Rio de Janeiro.

Ryan Lochte, an 11-time Olympic medalist, was setback by a groin injury and failed to qualify for the 400-meter individual medley Sunday in Omaha. Lochte won gold in the event in the 2012 games in London.

Coach David Marsh decided not to pull Lochte from Sunday's event and the swimmer attempted to overcome his injury in the pool. But Lochte's overcompensation early on proved costly.

Lochte jumped out to a big lead over Chase Kalisz and Jay Litherland, but was slowed by the ailing groing, and was passed in the end. The duo will represent the United States in Brazil, while Lochte failed to make the cut for the event.

"I did everything I could in that race," Lochte told USA Today. "It just wasn't enough."

Lochte, 31, is still expected to swim the 200IM Thursday and Friday. He is also expected in the 200M freestyle, 100 free, 200 backstroke, and 100 fly. But the 400IM was Lochte's only golden event in Rio.

"I just need to see how I feel in the morning," Lochte told ESPN. "Here's the good news: I don't ever have to swim the 400 IM again. That was it -- never again."

Michael Phelps will also not be in the event, considered swimming's most grueling challenge. It will mark the first time since 2000 that neither swimmer competed in the 400IM.