The Rio Olympics took a scary turn on Sunday when Team U.S.A. swimmer Ryan Lochte was robbed by a group of people carrying guns and knives, his mother Ileana Lochte told USA Today.
U.S. Olympic Committee spokesman Patrick Sandusky confirms, saying that the team had left the French Olympic team’s hospitality house and was headed for the athletes’ village when the incident took place.
Sandusky says, “The taxi was stopped by individuals posing as armed police officers who demanded the athletes’ money and other personal belongings,” adding that the four swimmers are “safe and cooperating with authorities.”
After the incident, Lochte texted his mom about what transpired and assured her that he was OK.”I think they’re all shaken up. There were a few of them,” Lochte’s mom told USA Today. “They just took their wallets, and basically that was it.”
The tight race for the gold between Americans Lochte and Michael Phelps has been exhilarating for swimming fans. Lochte stands alone as the second most decorated male Olympic swimmer in history, with Phelps standing between him and the top spot.
Lochte leaves the Rio Olympics a 12-time medalist (six gold, three silver, three bronze). As a team member, he holds the world record in the 4?–200-meter freestyle relay. Individually, he holds the world record in the 100-meter medley, 200-meter medley and the 400-meter medley.