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KOH NO!

Olympic gymnast ‘looked dead’ after racking up whopping phone bill chasing Pokemon in Rio

POKEMON Go has caused an Olympic gymnast to rack up a mega £3,700 phone bill in Rio.

Japanese star Kohei Uchimura, 27, won all-around gold at London 2012 and is expected to again be in contention again at this summer's Olympics.

Kohei Uchimura looks happier with his performance at London 2012 than when he received his phone bill in Rio
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 Kohei Uchimura looks happier with his performance at London 2012 than when he received his phone bill in Rio after chasing virtual monsters aroundCredit: Getty Images
Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm with its addictive nature
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Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm with its addictive natureCredit: Getty Images
Japanese competitor Uchimura picked up gold at london 2012 for this performance
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Japanese gymnast Uchimura picked up gold at London 2012 for this performanceCredit: Reuters

But one thing he already has in the bag is seemingly a collection of Pokemon and a monster mobile data charges tab.

Team-mate Kenzo Shirai said Uchimura "looked dead at the team meal that day" after receiving the bill for playing the game, which has taken the planet by storm.

However, his network provider have taken pity on him and agreed to let Uchimura pay a flat daily rate instead of a four-figure bill for playing the reality game.

It means that Uchimura, who is favourite to retain his title, will be charged just £22 a day for to use his normal tariff.

Uchimura in showcases his skills at the North Greenwich Arena during London 2012
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He showcases his skills at the North Greenwich Arena during London 2012Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Pokemon Go is so addictive that it warns users to be cautious playing it
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Pokemon Go is so addictive that it warns users to be cautious playing itCredit: PA:Press Association
Uchimura poses in the Walk of Champions with his sixth gold medal after winning the men's all-around final competition at the World Artistic Gymnastics championships
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Uchimura poses with his sixth gold medal after winning the men's all-around finalCredit: AP:Associated Press

The six-time all-around world champion said: "I really lucked out."

It is not the first Pokemon storm to hit the Olympics, with reports suggesting athletes can launch the app in Rio - but can’t actually find any the Pokemon.

New Zealand women’s soccer player Anna Green isn’t happy after becoming glued playing the Nintendo game.

She said: “I wish I could run around in the village catching Pokemon.

“I just can’t get it on the phone. It’s fine, but it would have been something fun to do.

“[What will I do instead?] Train.”

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Pokemon addict Andrea Martinez revealed the perils of the game.

She said: "I just can't stop playing it.

"I was catching Pokemon the other day and nearly got hit by a car while crossing the road.

"And I had a big argument with my boyfriend when I got up from the table during a meal to chase Pokemon across a restaurant.

"But thankfully I caught it - and that's the most important thing.

"I'm not surprised Uchimura's habit nearly cost him a lot of money."

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