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Ryan Lochte is one of the most decorated swimmers of all time. He is just behind Michael Phelps in terms of the medal tally. However, his infamous ?Lochtegate,? the 2016 incident, damaged his reputation badly. Lochte had to go through a long dark phase after that.?

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In an interview with Graham Bensinger in 2020, the backstroke specialists revealed some realities of the incident. He described that the severe criticism was not justified. The time that followed was dark for Lochte. He couldn’t sleep for a long time after the incident.?

Ryan Lochte reveals that the majority of the incidents were true

Ryan Lochte?made news across the globe when he alleged that he and three other American swimmers got robbed at gunpoint during Rio Olympics. However, these allegations turned out to be false after thorough interrogation.

Ryan highlighted that the audience considers him a complete liar. However, as per him, he didn’t lie but just exaggerated a small incident. He admitted, ?I just fabricated a little part about the gun.? Ryan alleged that the gun was pointed at his forehead, but the gunman was distant from him.?

?Read More: ?We Do Them Every Year?: American Swimmer Ryan Lochte?s Wife?s Admission Will Make Every Husband Envy

Ryan further acknowledged the news spread like wildfire and had serious implications for his career and mental peace. He added that he received death threats on his social media. Ryan said, ?I was getting death threats like you need to die. Go kill yourself. You are a scum.?

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Ryan alleges the media for the hatred

Ryan held the media accountable for not telling his side of the story. He said, ?I wish they had the full story and the facts that I said.? His father also felt that the media was selective in highlighting false aspects and did not cover the real part.?

via Getty

Ryan Lochte also revealed that he received the most disheartening message from a child. ?A little kid being like, I used to look up to you and now I don’t. That’s what got me,? he admitted. Rayan regretted that other Olympians had to suffer because of the incident. The incident became international news and was a major debate for a long time.?

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