Ryan Lochte held at gunpoint in Rio; IOC says 'absolutely not true'
— -- Ryan Lochte's mother has told multiple media outlets that her son was held up at gunpoint early Sunday morning, but the International Olympic Committee says that the reports about the American swimming star are "absolutely not true."
Ileana Lochte told USA Today Sports that her son and at least one of his U.S. Teammates were robbed, confirming an earlier report by Australia's Fox Sports News.
Lochte's mother told USA Today Sports that her son and the teammate were in a cab heading to meet Brazilian swimmer Thiago Pereira when the cab stopped to get gas, and a group of people with guns and knives confronted the swimmers.
Ryan Lochte was unharmed but had his wallet taken, his mother told USA Today Sports. She said she was on her way to see Ryan later Sunday morning.
Mark Adams, a spokesman for the IOC, disputed Ileana Lochte's account on Sunday morning, saying that Ryan Lochte and the U.S. Olympic Committee informed him that the story was not true.
David Marsh, the head women's coach for the U.S. swim team and Ryan Lochte's personal coach, also disputed the story, telling USA Today Sports in a text message that Lochte "was not held up."
Fox Sports News was first to report that Lochte was held at gunpoint. Ileana Lochte told Fox Sports News earlier Sunday that the confrontation was "terrifying."
