LAS VEGAS (AP) - Team USA's swimming golden boy says it was "the coolest thing" that Britain's Prince Harry challenged him to swim race at a Las Vegas pool party, but he's glad he missed the royal's Sin City controversy.

Ryan Lochte tells NBC's "Today" show Thursday that the prince's entourage approached him at his 28th birthday party Monday, saying Harry wanted to meet him.

Lochte says both were fully clothed but took off their shirts for the contest at the XS nightclub pool at the Wynn resort.

The 11-time Olympic medalist won.

Lochte says he's "kinda happy" the prince didn't invite him up for partying at a hotel suite. Photos leaked online show Harry naked and next to a woman during a game of strip billiards.

Lochte says he "didn't need that."

Would you rather see Prince Harry or Ryan Lochte hanging by the pool?