The world is facing bigger issues – Lochte says Rio scandal blown out of proportion

Ryan Lochte believes the false robbery scandal he was involved with at Rio 2016 has been blown out of proportion and the swimmer is eager to move on from the episode.

Lochte – along with United States team-mates Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and Jimmy Feigen – alleged they were robbed at gunpoint at a petrol station after attending a party.

The 32-year-old, who took his tally of Olympic medals to 12 in Brazil this month, subsequently conceded that he had “over-exaggerated” his story and apologised for his “immature behaviour”.

Lochte was charged with making a false statement and dropped by major sponsors, but feels too much has been made of his behaviour.

Asked if he had embarrassed the USA with his actions, Lochte told ABC television’s Good Morning America: “I think it’s everyone blowing this way out of proportion. I think that’s what happened.”

With regards to his statement that he had gun held to his head, he added: “Like I said, I did lie about that one part. I take full responsibility. I’m human. I made a mistake. A very big mistake.

“Everyone has got to be sick and tired about hearing about this. I just want to move forward.”

Lochte, who has signed up for television show ‘Dancing With the Stars’ is leaving his legal team to deal with the charge over his incorrect statement and did not comment on whether he would return to Brazil.

He said: “It’s been dragged out way too long. The media has taken this to a whole new level and I just want to put this behind me and move on and move forward.

“I think the rest of the world wants this, too. There’s other bigger issues that this world is facing.”