Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and three of his teammates with the U.S. swimming team were robbed at gunpoint in Rio early Sunday morning. The swimmer took to Twitter to say that they are unharmed and are safe after the frightening encounter.
The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) confirmed the news via a statement saying that Lochte, together with Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, and Jimmy Feigen of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team, left their France House in a taxi and were headed for the Olympic Village. USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky added that the taxi was stopped by individuals who were armed and posed as police officers. They demanded for the money of the athletes as well as their personal belongings, The Charlotte Observer reported. All of the athletes are safe and are cooperating with the authorities in the area.
Lochte took to Twitter to thank his family, friends, and fans for the "overwhelming support and concern." He also confirmed that he and his teammates were victims of robbery early Sunday morning but what is most important for them is that they are safe and unharmed. He pointed out that he is honored to have represented the country at the Rio Olympics and win gold for his country alongside his teammates. Lochte continued to say on his Twitter post that he looks forward to getting home and begin to map out his plans for the future specifically for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, E! News reported.
Before the Twitter post, Lochte talked to "Today" host Billy Bush. He said that they got pulled over and the guys who posted as cops presented just a police badge. They reportedly told the swimmers to get down on the ground. The three other swimmers got down but Lochte did not get down as he said that he did not do anything wrong. However, one guy pulled out his gun and put it to his forehead and said, "Get down." The guy reportedly took his money, his wallet, his cell phone but the guy left his credentials.
American swimmer Michael Phelps said on Sunday that he was not at the party that Lochte and the others attended before they were robbed. He said that he could not believe it as he has come to Brazil many times and he felt safe.
Lochte recently finished his final swimming event last week. He has won his 12th overall Olympic medal, which is a gold.
