Say it ain’t so, Ryan Lochte.

The U.S. Olympic swimmer — a multiple gold-medal winner over several Olympics — appears to have been caught perpetrating a scam on the Brazilian police officials.

He and three American swimming teammates have been accused of fabricating a story in which they contended they were robbed at gunpoint.

The Rio de Janeiro cops bought the story initially. Then they had second thoughts. The Brazilians nabbed two of Lochte’s chums at their airport. Meanwhile, Lochte — the biggest name by far caught up in this matter — had made his escape back to the United States.

The allegation now is that video apparently shows the U.S. swimmers vandalizing the restroom of the business where they had said they were robbed. The robbery story, meanwhile, never added up to the cops’ satisfaction.

Lochte’s previous renown had come by virtue of his competing for the United States in swimming pools around the world. He and a guy named Michael Phelps — perhaps you’ve heard of him — had become great rivals and friends over many years.

Lochte was one of the best swimmers in the world. He still is, actually.

What might he be known for now? What could be his lasting legacy?

It appears it’s going to be this made-up robbery and the bizarre circumstances that are still developing.

Brazilian authorities are pursuing extradition proceedings to bring Lochte back to face justice.

Man, this makes me sad.