RIO DE JANEIRO - The mother of Ryan Lochte has told two media outlets that the star swimmer was robbed at gunpoint.
USA Today and Fox Sports Australia both said the 32-year-old Lochte was robbed and had his wallet stolen early Sunday while socializing the night after Olympic swimming events ended. The IOC spokesman denied the claim at first before hedging, acknowledging he didn't directly know the specifics of the situation.
The U.S. Olympic Committee said it was gathering more information. IOC spokesman Mark Adams said the USOC denied the story at first but it looks like that denial "is not correct."
Lochte's mother, Ileana Lochte, and his agent did not immediately return phone calls and text messages from The Associated Press.
A spokesman for Brazilian Olympic swimmer Thiago Pereira told the Washington Post that Lochte and Pereira were at a party at a club and Lochte was robbed in a taxi when he left.
Rio organizers spokesman Mario Andrada said he has been briefed on an "issue" involving the swimmer, but could not say if he was held at gunpoint.
Lochte swam in two events at the Rio Games, winning gold in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay.
..... - Newsday