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United States swimmer Ryan Lochte issues apology after ‘gunpoint robbery’ claims

US Olympic Committee chief Scott Blackmun also clarified the incident involving the swimmers, apologizing for a “distracting ordeal”.

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The IOC’s move came hours after Lochte issued an apology, saying he was sorry for not being “more careful and candid” in how he described what happened early Sunday.

The four United States gold medal-winning swimmers hoped to draw a line under the scandal that erupted when Lochte went public with a shocking report of how they were mugged on their way early Sunday back from a party in Rio de Janeiro.

“The swimmer accepted the proposal”, police said in a statement.

See also: How much money will gold medal winners in Rio take home?

But police investigating the claims said they believed the Olympians made up the story and instead had vandalised a petrol station. An argument ensued between the athletes and two armed gas station security staff, who displayed their weapons, ordered the athletes from their vehicle and demanded the athletes provide a monetary payment.

Claressa Shields is one win away from her second Olympic boxing gold medal, and the American middleweight is making it look easy. Speedo has said it is following the situation and does not comment on ongoing legal investigations.

A third American swimmer who is still here can leave the country after he pays a donation of almost $11,000 to an institution, USA broadcaster NBC reported his lawyer as saying early Friday.

Prosecutors announced late Thursday they are appealing and want the fine raised to $47,000.

Feigen planned to donate 35,000 Brazilian reals ($10,800) to an “institution” and leave the country, his lawyer said. After paying, Feigen’s passport was returned. Police still want to speak to Lochte, who was also summonsed to appear before the judge on Friday, and say they hope to agree with US authorities to interview him in the United States. They sat in curtained-off seats for much of the journey.

Bentz and Conger stumbled just as they were getting started on the global stage, so the repercussions could linger longest with the Olympic rookies.

Lochte, 32, has said he plans to take an extended break after the Rio Games and relocate to Los Angeles. Bentz and Conger were allowed to leave Thursday night after meeting with authorities. This is Lochte’s first major gaffe, and whatever sanctions the national governing body passes down could have little effect on the professional swimmer. Conger kept headphones on and wore an orange Team USA hooded sweatshirt. “No robbery was committed against these athletes”.

Lochte admits that he should have behaved more responsibly.

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They handed over money and left when security guards arrived, one of whom Veloso said had justifiably drawn his gun after the erratic behaviour of one of the swimmers. Lochte has said that he hopes to represent the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Ryan Lochte after the mens 200m final in Rio