NEW YORK (The News Desk) — Decorated Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte expressed his frustration today after discovering that he had not made the U.S. Olympic team to Sochi.

“I was emailing the U.S. Olympic team all last week, asking for travel information and stuff. They finally got back and told me that I wasn’t on the delegation to Sochi. I was devastated,” Lochte told assembled press this morning, shirtless but crestfallen.

Lochte explained that it wasn’t the rejection that frustrated him: it was the way the U.S. Olympic team had notified him that really hurt.

“They didn’t just tell me that I wasn’t on the team. They told me that it was impossible for me to swim at the Winter Olympics,” said Lochte. “That last part really shook me.”

Lochte acknowledged that winning medals might be a bit more difficult at his age, but that with hard work and preparation, he could still make a splash at the Winter Games.

“My Olympic journey is far from over. I will definitely be exploring all of my options,” Lochte told reporters while submerging himself into an ice bath.

“I’m currently in talks with Nepal about swimming for them in the Games. Apparently I have a distant ancestor from there or something. Plus, their flag looks pretty sick.” ♦

Photo via The Associated Press