Aussie Rowing Coaches Assaulted, Robbed At Ipanema Beach

As we have a couple of days’ worth of competition under our belts in Rio, we are still reminded that safety is a constant concern in and around the 2016 Olympic Games. ESPN Australia is reporting that two of the nation’s rowing team coaches were robbed at knifepoint at Ipanema Beach Friday night, just before the Games opening ceremony.

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Security Chief Greg Nance said that the two coaches were ‘violently assaulted’ when approached by two teenage boys with at least one knife and demanding money. One of the coaches was grabbed by the throat by an attacker before the credit cards phones and an Australian team blazer were stolen.

“It was a pretty good shaking up,” Nance is quoted as saying. “It was enough to scare the pants off anyone really.”

“We’re here for a sports event, the biggest of its kind in the world. Not to fight people on streets.”

The situation is reminiscent of a robbery back in June when anAustralian Paralympic sailor and team officials were robbed at gunpoint while training in Rio. At the time, Australia’s Chef de Mission, Kitty Chiller, wrote to the Rio organizing committee and mayor demanding increased security.

In response to the latest incident with the rowing coaches, Australian athletes have been advised to remain in their accommodation after 6pm and will continue to have a security guard stationed in their foyer.

Australian Olympic athletes are also told to wear casual clothes out in public and be sure to keep their accreditation hidden.

 

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Crocodile Dundee
7 years ago

Looks like they need to not be so soft. Can’t help but to think about this scene
http://youtu.be/W09ghiWskUk

Sergey v
7 years ago

In before the peanut gallery claim the Aussie are a bunch of wussies who whine too much.

jem
Reply to  Sergey v
7 years ago

but…but… they are!

Crocodile Dundee
Reply to  jem
7 years ago

Maybe they need to spend some time in the outback

“That’s not a knife, this is a knife”

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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