↑Missy (left), Rochte (center) and Guy attend the speedo next-generation swimsuit launch in New York. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Lei
Xinhua News Agency Washington, August 22 Sports Special Telegram American Olympic swimming champion Ryan Rochte was abandoned by four major sponsors such as Subitao (USA) and Ralph Lauren on the 22nd for falsely reporting the case of "armed robbery" during the Rio Olympic Games.
After Rochte and his 3 teammates falsely reported the case of "armed robbery" in Rio in the early morning of the 14th, the Rio police reported the progress of the incident on the 18th after investigation, and concluded that there was no robbery, only a skirmish at the gas station.
The U.S. Olympic Committee issued an apology statement on the matter. Rochte also apologized in an interview with Brazil's largest broadcaster, but said: "In a way, I'm not lying, I'm just exaggerating about what happened." ”
↑ Rochte (left) leaves after the match. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ding Xu
However, Rochte's explanation was not understood by the sponsors, and just a few hours before the conclusion of the Rio Olympics, the international swimwear professional manufacturer Subitao (USA) issued a statement saying that Rochte would no longer act as its spokesperson. Meanwhile, Ralph Lauren, the world's largest luxury retailer, also announced that he would not renew his new contract with Rochte. Senolong also terminated its partnership with Rochte, who was appointed global brand ambassador for one of the company's products just four months ago.
Not only that, the high-end mattress brand Japan Avifu also said that it will no longer continue to endorse the relationship with Rochte. The two sides previously reached an endorsement cooperation for the Olympic Games. And when Rochte announced the robbery last week, Avive also spoke out in support of Rocchett.
↑Rochte advanced to the men's 200m individual medley final with a time of 1:56.28. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ding Xu
"I wasn't mature enough and made a stupid mistake. I personally learned a profound lesson from this mistake. "The Brazilian people have hosted a great Olympic Games, and my immature drunkenness has brought shame to this event." ”
Rochte, 32, is an American swimmer who has won 12 Olympic medals, rio in two events and won gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
(Editor: Zheng Zhi)
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