Australian coaches robbed at knifepoint in Rio

Two Australian rowing coaches have reportedly been mugged at knifepoint in Rio, AOC officials have revealed, in what is the latest in a number of thefts from visitors in the Olympic city.

Supermoon rises at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Supermoon rises at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Source: Getty Images

Two Australian rowing officials were robbed at knifepoint following the Olympic opening ceremony.

The pair were returning to their accommodation in Ipanema, in the city's south, at around 8.30pm on Saturday when they were approached by two Brazilian youths and robbed at knifepoint.

"They were violently assaulted and robbed," Greg Nance, deputy director of welfare and security for the Australian team said.

"They were shaken up and both of them were shirt fronted, physically handled and thrown against a wall. Both coaches were unharmed."

The thieves reportedly made off with credit cards, mobile phones and a team blazer.

In response, the Australian Olympic committee was taking extra security measures.

Team members are being asked to wear casual clothes, keep accreditation hidden and to avoid walking around after 6pm.

 


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1 min read
Published 8 August 2016 10:00am
Updated 8 August 2016 1:06pm
Source: SBS World News

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