As the Lochte turns
It was a day of departures and public statements for U.S. swimmers embroiled in the saga of a reported robbery/gas-station confrontation that became such an international fuss amid all the actual sports happening:
- Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger arrived back in the United States on Friday morning.
- Ryan Lochte issued an apology via social media, but the swimmer's attorney said that should not be viewed as a full mea culpa. Both Lochte and his lawyer maintained that money was demanded at gunpoint.
- Jimmy Feigen, the last of the four swimmers in Brazil, had to pay nearly $11,000 to leave Brazil. It will go to a local children's sports institute.
- Bentz released a statement that he "regretted this situation that has drawn attention away from the Olympics," but also backed up Lochte's claim that the armed security guards asked for money and said that there is missing video footage to prove it.
- Meanwhile, back in Brazil, a witness told the Globo network that the Americans were "terrified" by the situation and the International Olympic Committee said the athletes will face a disciplinary commission.
- USA TODAY Sports' David Meeks made an important point about all this: This is why you don't lie to your mother.
- And in case you were wondering what happens behind the scenes when an American gets drunk and causes trouble abroad, there's this illuminating look at the work of consular officers.
One final sprint to greatness
By golly, Usain Bolt did it. He made it nine for nine. In his final Olympic event, the sprinting icon (who openly wants to be in the conversation for greatest athlete ever) surged away from the mere mortals in other lanes and sealed the 4x100-meter relay for Jamaica. It was his third gold medal for the third time — a perfect record on the world's biggest stage.
The United States initially appeared to claim the bronze medal, but upon further review, a botched baton handoff disqualified the team. The American sprinters were rather displeased — Mike Rodgers used a word that we're not allowed to repeat here. USA Track & Field has appealed the decision.
When asked how it felt for his last Olympic race to end on a down note, Justin Gatlin, who will be 38 when the 2020 Tokyo Games begin, responded with “I never said it was my last.”
USA basketball one win away
The United States men's basketball team thwarted a familiar foe in Spain (the two nations played in the 2008 and 2012 gold-medal games) to set up a rematch with fellow Group A country Serbia in the final.
DeAndre Jordan had 16 rebounds and four blocks, dominating the paint. USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick points out that this Team USA experience is exactly what Jordan needed.
BMX glory
For the third time in Olympic history, BMX medals were awarded.
America's Connor Fields, who failed to medal in London after winning five of six early heats, came through with the gold this time. Countryman Nick Long was initially announced as the bronze-medal winner, but finished .005 seconds short of Colombia’s Carlos Ramirez Yepes.
On the women's side, the USA's Alise Post took silver as Colombian Mariana Pajon repeated as Olympic champion.
More domination in the pool
The United States women's water polo team became the first group to win consecutive Olympic gold medals, defeating Italy 12-5 in the final. Kylie Neushel led the attack with three goals for the U.S., while Rachel Fattal and Mackenzie Fischer scored two each. Goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson, the first African-American to make the women's national team, was superb with nine saves on 13 shots after being critical of her own level of play during the tournament.
The Americans went unbeaten in dominating fashion in Rio, winning their six matches by an average of 6.8 goals. The victory was especially meaningful for coach Adam Krikorian, who guided the team with a heavy heart after the shocking death of his brother just two days before the opening ceremony.
