The last few weeks have been quite the roller coaster for USA Swimming team member and 12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte.
By now, most are aware of the scandal 32-year-old Lochte fell into while in Brazil. But to recap, Lochte claimed to have been robbed at gun point overnight August 13 in Rio after he and three of his U.S. Olypic teammates stopped at a gas station to use the bathroom. It later was reported the four swimmers allegedly trashed the gas station bathroom and armed security guards demanded he and the others pay for it. Although Rio police indicted the swimmer for falsely reporting the robbery, and Lochte apologized for his behavior saying he regreets exaggerating the events, he and his teammates are sticking to the story that they were held at gunpoint even though there are discrepancies in their accounts. The swimmers aren’t the only ones to have recalled events inaccurately. Reports now indicate Rio police inflated their version of the events as well.
The incident has led to the the 12-time Olympic medalist’s corporate sponsors, including Speedo, ending their relationships with him. For many this would have been the nail in the coffin. But not for Locthe. Instead, he’s turned the incident into a major win, at least from a public relations standpoint. Of course, his wallet probably won’t suffer too much either.
In the last week, he’s signed two new endorsements, and he’s also landed a spot on a major reality TV show on ABC. First, he inked an agreement with Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drops. He’s also teamed up with Robocopp, a company that makes handheld alarms. And earlier this week, we learned Lochte is joining the cast of “Dancing With the Stars.” He joins fellow US Olympic Olympian, gymnast Laurie Hernandez.
