Early Sunday morning, Ryan Lochte, Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, and Jimmy Feigen, United States Olympic Swimmers, were robbed at gun point while out in Rio. This occurred while they were heading back to the Olympic Village. Their taxi pulled over and men dressed as cops told them to get out and get on the ground. After, they said no because they weren't doing anything wrong, guns were held to their heads. They complied. The fake police officers took their money and wallets, but left their cellphones and credentials. Luckily, none of the swimmers were physically harmed in this interaction.

Teammates, Michael Phelps and Nathan Adrian, commented on the incident in a press conference saying that they have been to Brazil before and have always felt safe. They are not letting this affect the way they see this country because these things happen no matter where you are. They are going to continue to utilize safe practices for the duration of their stay.

Things like this happen every day all over the world. The question is, "how can we protect ourselves from things like this?" especially when it seems like it's inevitable at times.

First, traveling in groups is always smart. Although it didn't work for our olympic swimmers in this circumstance, groups are often targeted less often than people traveling solo.

Second, if you are in a foreign country, know what the most common risks are. If it is people pretending to be police officers, know where to find the authentic ones. If people imitate taxi drivers, have a number for a reputable one. Many times there criminals work in teams.

Third, if you end up in a sketchy situation, coroporate. Do not fight them. You never know what type of weapon they may have on them or how willing they are to use it. Losing $500 dollars is much better than losing your life.