The incident and the ever-changing accounts of that night dominated Olympics coverage, sparking the hashtag Lochte-Gate.
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A source tells us the 31-year-old seemed relaxed during the outing, stopping to thank fans as they congratulated him on his athletic performance at the Summer Games in Brazil. “Once the security officials received money from the athletes, the athletes were allowed to leave”.
Conger clarified that he was not considered a suspect by Brazilian police, only a witness, and said he was “completely truthful” in all of his statements.? Brazilian police say the story was to cover up an incident in the gas station when a bathroom door was damaged by the four who were drunk.
Lochte waited to release his statement until after legal issues with the other swimmers were resolved.
“Let me begin by emphasizing that I have been completely truthful in my statements throughout this unfortunate situation, including the information I provided to U.S. officials before leaving Brazil”, the statement said.
In his apology, Lochte made no reference to the vandalism, saying “It’s traumatic to be out late with your friends in a foreign country – with a language barrier – and have a stranger point a gun at you and demand money to let you leave”.
The story raised concerns about Brazil’s safety, and it angered locals who felt that the story painted the area in a damning light.
The situation “could and should have been avoided”, he said, adding that he had “learned some valuable lessons”.
Amid the turmoil engulfing Ryan Lochte and three other United States swimmers over their mugging story, Rio organisers on August 18, 2016 gave them words of sympathy.
According to ESPN, the police may continue with this case and file falsely reporting a crime and/or destruction of property which could result in six months of jail or a fine. The police official said officers grew suspicious when video showed the swimmers returning to the athletes village wearing watches, which would have likely been taken in a robbery.
USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus issued his own statement tonight, in which he said, “The last five days have been hard for our USA Swimming and United States Olympic families”. Lochte said the gun was held to his head and he refused the assailants’ order to get on the ground – while the other three complied.
“I was like ‘whatever,”‘ Lochte said in his initial account.
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While he’s medaled often in the Olympic pool, Lochte’s accomplishments have always been overshadowed by teammate Michael Phelps – the most decorated Olympian in history. Lochte won a gold in Rio in a relay race alongside Phelps.
