Update: An IOC spokesperson says that the reports from Ben Way are “absolutely not true” according to the Associated Press, according to Lochte and the USOC. We have reached out to both sides for comment, but have been unable to reconcile the conflicting reports, despite multiple outlets having received the news from Lochte’s mother independently.
Update 2: Ben Way, who initially broke the news, is standing by what he was told by Lochte’s mom.
For those asking…
All I can tell you is what Ryan's mother told me. And others, it would seem. I believe her 100% https://t.co/y5RxakZtVF— Ben Way (@BenWayAUS) August 14, 2016
Update 3: Both Ryan Lochte and representatives of Thiago Pereira have confirmed the incident. Read more here.
Original report:
Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte was held up at gunpoint in the wee hours of the night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil after the conclusion of the swimming events late Friday.
Lochte had been invited to a party by star Brazilian swimmer Thiago Pereira along with 3 teammates who have not yet been identified.
The 32-year old was safely returned to the USA Swimming camp after the ordeal, and called his mother Ileana immediately after being released. She called the ordeal “terrifying.”
Ben Way of Fox Sports in Australia broke the news within the last hour:
BREAKING: @USASwimming Gold medallist Ryan Lochte has been held up at gunpoint at a party in Brazil.
Details on @FOXSportsNews 500.— Ben Way (@BenWayAUS) August 14, 2016
Lochte invited by Brazilian swimmer Thiago Pereira, and is now safe at @USASwimming base. @FOXSportsNews told 3 teammates were with him.
— Ben Way (@BenWayAUS) August 14, 2016
Lochte called his mother Ileana immediately afterwards. She told @FOXSportsNews it was "terrifying" and has just left her hotel to meet him.
— Ben Way (@BenWayAUS) August 14, 2016
LOCHTE UPDATE: @TeamUSA 's Jenn Suhr exclusively told @FOXSportsNews: "it definitely would have been terrifying. I'm just glad they're safe"
— Ben Way (@BenWayAUS) August 14, 2016
LOCHTE: @TeamUSA 's Jenn Suhr: "when you're in another country you don't know of, it's not the smartest idea to go places you're unsure of.
— Ben Way (@BenWayAUS) August 14, 2016
The four-time Olympian is the second most decorated swimmer in history behind Michael Phelps. He is the holder of 6 Olympic gold medals, including one from this year where he won gold as part of the Americans’ 800 free relay. He missed the podium in his other event, the 200 IM.
Was I the only one that thought there was a team of security around the US athletes? I was really surprised that they were alone, out late, without security considering all the delegations were warned of the security issues in Rio.
– mentioned at the end of the article; Ryan being the second most decorated swimmer in history? medal(s) total? Mark Spitz at the 1972 Olympics, set an Olympic record by winning seven gold medals, record only beaten by Michael Phelps.
Spitz medaled several times in Mexico City as well.
I’m glad to hear the athletes were not harmed, and I sincerely hope they stole Lochte’s grill before he takes another photo with it.
So what really happen in all of this? Did Ryan really have a gun cocked back on his forehead or was that a lie? I’m getting really confused with some reports saying that didn’t really happen
WHERE WILL THEY HOLD THE NEXT OLYMPICS; IRAQ? AFGHANISTAN? LIBERIA? THE IOC HAS NEVER BEEN KNOWN FOR THEIR INTELLIGENCE OR COMMON SENSE; PROBABLY THEY WILL SIMPLY PICK THE BIGGEST TROUBLESPOT IN THE WORLD. JERKS.
Actually, it’ll be in Tokyo.
The way Barry is treating Iran this past year I would say they are in the running. The venues will run on nuclear power since that’s all the peaceful country wants that tech for.
Lochte has confirmed to NBC. Seems it was Lochte, Figgen, Bentz, & Conger. They really shouldn’t be out and about that late at Night/ early morning in Brazil. Thankfully they are safe.
Ever notice a much movie actor Simon Rex and Ryan Lochte look alike? They could be twin brothers.
Simon Rex AKA former adult film star AKA Dirt Nasty! His rapping is hilarious
Ryan, please wait until you get back in the states if you’re gonna get turnt. It ain’t safe at all.
Rest assured that because of Ryan’s notarity that Brazilian authorities will find and promptly execute anyone who might have perpetrated this
Is he well known in Brazil?