ESPN SportsNation Wayne Drehs on Olympics

Wayne Drehs

Hey everybody ... I'm here and ready to chat Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps, Omaha Steaks, London brew pubs, etc.

Steve (Colorado)

What was the most impressive part of what you learned about Lochte?

Wayne Drehs

I learned a lot, Steve. As for impressive, I would have to say how hard he works. I mean, I know Olympians push their bodies to the limit. But to actually watch a swimmer flip that tire, pull that chain, etc. it was incredible. His fingers are bleeding. His legs are shot. It was crazy impressive.

Greg (VA)

How disgusting were his hands after that MMA workout?

Wayne Drehs

Depends how you feel about quarter-sized holes on every finger. It was pretty wild. Then he went in the bathroom to wash them off and the cold water stung like crazy. You could hear him yelling from outside.

Steve (WA)

Is he not worried about Phelps at all or is that just what he has to say?

Wayne Drehs

I don't know if I would use the word "worried." I mean, look, he knows what Michael is capable of. And he fully expects him to show up in Omaha and next month in London and do just that. Michael feels the same way about Ryan. But at the same time, they are both supremely confident. That's the way they have to be.

Luke (Miami)

If not for Michael Phelps in Beijing, Lochte would have been one of the biggest stories with his performance....does he feel cheated at all?

Wayne Drehs

Not at all. He gets it. You want to be the story then you need to win. That's what he's spent the last four years training for. Will it make a difference? We'll find out a little bit next week and even more next month.

Chioke Hassan (Baltimore,Md)

Dear WayneIs Egypt partispating in the 2012 Games?

Wayne Drehs

Gotta love when stories collide like this. I haven't heard anything otherwise, Chioke. I know the Egyptian Olympic soccer team qualified and is in group play with Brazil. They have some individuals who will compete there as well. But the situation there is very fluid and of course could change at any time.

Birdfan (Louisiana)

I always enjoy the opening ceremonys of each Olympics...what is your favorite part of the Olympics?

Wayne Drehs

Not the Opening or Closing Ceremonies. I have no idea why. I remember growing up as a kid and being like, "When can we get the parade over with and get to the actual sports?" I still sort of feel that way now. I'm most excited for swimming this summer. With Phelps and getting to know Ryan a bit and Missy Franklin, it's a fascinating group of characters not to mention some incredible talent.

James (USA )

Do you agree with the NBA stars who say they would perfer to rest then represent the USA? What happened to team USA?

Wayne Drehs

I can sort of understand where they're coming from. Especially guys like LeBron, Durant and D-Wade who have had such long seasons. But at the same time, yeah, it would be nice to have the best US team possible represented. I mean, it's not like you would ever see Messi decide to sit out the World Cup because he's tired after a long season. People in Argentina would go nuts.

Alexis (DC)

What's on your agenda for Omaha (and London) outside of the pool?

Wayne Drehs

You mean like, for fun? Well, I'm fully expecting both stops to be a ton of work, but when time allows ... in Omaha I'll undoubtedly be roaming around the Old Market. Love some of the bars and restaurants down there. And in London I will eat at Nando's chicken every chance I get. That is like my all-time favorite place to eat. Just the thought of it ...

Matt (Seattle)

Does any other country have a chance to compete with the USA basketball team?

Wayne Drehs

Certainly I think you'd have to look at Spain as a threat.

Wayne Drehs

While we're here I want to remind you all that Olympic writer extraordinaire Bonnie Ford and I will both be in Omaha all of next week covering the US Swim Trials. We'll also be part of a team heading to London that includes Jim Caple, Alyssa Roenigk, Luke Cyphers, Mark Stein, Michael Wilbon and others. Of course you'll be able to follow all the coverage at the Olympics page on ESPN.com.

Wayne Drehs

Thanks everyone for your time. Looking forward to an exciting summer.