Ryan Lochte Trains, Bonds With Make-A-Wish Child

Ryan Lochte trained with 15-year-old Erik Nieman, who has cystic fibrosis.

Decorated United States swimmer Ryan Lochte made one young swimmer’s dream come true.

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Through the Make-A-Wish foundation, 15-year-old Erik Nieman, who has cystic fibrosis, traveled to Queens University Levine Athletic Center’s aquatic facility to train with Lochte on Tuesday, according to the Charlotte Observer.

"“My personal goal is to make it to the Olympics, but I know that making the Olympics is very hard for someone with a life-threatening disease” he says. “My goal is to bring hope to everybody else.”For an hour, Lochte helped Erik trim his form, and added a few yards to the young hopeful’s push off-to give him an edge."

USA Today’s Nicole Auerbach reported Nieman trained at the facility for about four hours and was invited to return on Wednesday. Auerbach also reports Lochte and Nieman bonded during their time together.

"Marsh, Lochte’s coach, said Nieman and Lochte “definitely hit it off” relationship-wise. The two discussed their personal lives, and Nieman said Lochte “has a great attitude out of the pool” and “seems like a very nice person.” In terms of swimming, Marsh said he was most impressed by Nieman’s eagerness to learn."

This is a very cool thing for Lochte to do and the Olympian deserves a lot of props for making the time he did for Nieman.

Lochte has won 11 medals during his Olympic career.

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