PANAMA CITY BEACH — It can be said that Panama City Beach is a place made for Ryan Lochte. It can better be said, the reason why he was here was vastly more important than his perceived image.
The 11-time Olympic medalist swimmer joined Paralympic champion Justin Zook in a fundraiser for the Mac Crutchfield Foundation at Spinnaker Beach Club on Saturday. Lochte has been attached to the charity for six years, while Zook came on board in 2012. They both attended the previous event held at Spinnaker two years ago and said there was nowhere else they'd rather be this weekend.
The Mac Crutchfield Foundation was created when its namesake drowned in an accident in Cairo, Ga. He was 12.
Maggie Crutchfield said her son Mac's memory fuels the organization, which among other things provides scholarships and supports the Special Olympics.
"We want to take every opportunity to spread Mac's vine," Maggie said. "You don't want to forget what he stood for. He loved people. He always said everyone has a story and everyone should listen."
Expanding the scope of the foundation was the goal. Lochte's influence and superstar qualities were a natural fit.
"I'll do anything for this organization," Lochte said. "Six years ago, they reached out to me. They brought me into their family. This is what I want to represent."
The 30-year-old recently appeared on a reality show on E!, which was canceled after one season. The show furthered his fast-paced persona, but he's quick to debunk that by his actions.
"There was a point in my life where I looked up to someone and asked for their autograph," Lochte said. "They said no and I was crushed. I said when I got to that level I'd give back. I will never say no."
Lochte admitted he's still taken back by the attention he receives. Yes, he's thrust himself into the spotlight and much of that has to do with his prowess in the pool. But Maggie said there was more to the man.
"I want people to know the real Ryan and Justin," she said. "They're giving, loving, genuine kind-hearted men."
Zook also was having a good time, joking with Lochte and posing for pictures with adoring fans. Zook was born missing part of his right foot and needed multiple surgeries to lengthen his right leg. He joined the organization to not only help it raise funds but to raise awareness that there are outstanding athletes in the Paralympic Games and Special Olympics.
"I wanted to be able to tell my story and find something that meant something to me," Zook said. "It really is a family.
"Paralympians don't get as much exposure. It's a good way to tell stories and highlight those in the Special Olympics."
Zook has been swimming since a young age when he began the sport as therapy. He traveled to his first world championship event in New Zealand when he was 12. He had shoulder surgery this year and hopes to compete in the next Paralympic Games in 2016, which also will be held in Rio de Janeiro, along with the next Summer Olympics.
Zook is a swimming coach in Minnesota and noted he missed a meet to attend this weekend's event. He said not being present for his team wasn't so hard to take when Maggie and her family wanted him to return. He hopes to be an inspiration for those who are seeking more than just a coach.
"I had some (coaches) that believed in the whole person and not necessarily the swimmer," Zook said. "They make sure you're happy in and out of the pool. I like to be that kind of coach."
Lochte also hopes to be a good role model.
"(I want to) have fun and enjoy every moment," Lochte said. "Other than getting sunburned, I'm loving it here. Putting a smile on a kid’s face, you can't beat that."