Aussie Paralympian robbed at gunpoint in Rio
Two members of the Australian Paralympic Sailing Team have been robbed at gunpoint while training in Rio de Janeiro.
The frightening encounter took place on Sunday morning while Paralympian Liesl Tesch and her physiotherapist Sarah Ross were riding their bikes.
The Australian Paralympic Committee released a statement yesterday.
“The pair –athlete Liesl Tesch and official Sarah Ross – were riding bikes in a park near their hotel when they were confronted by two male assailants, one of whom was carrying a pistol. The two bikes were the only property stolen,” the statement reads.
“Both members were unharmed and have provided a statement to Brazilian police.”
Athletes have been advised to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling in Rio.
“We know there will be a hugely elevated level of security in place during the Paralympic Games, but for athletes and teams travelling there before the Games, there is a heightened need to be security conscious,” Kate McLoughlin, Chef de Mission of the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team said.
I was robbed of my bike at gunpoint at the local bus stop Stay safe! in Rio! All safe.@AusSailingTeam @AUSParalympics
— Liesl Tesch (@LieslTesch) June 20, 2016
Safe&secure in Rio. Thanx2 @AusSailingTeam team-m8s who have been totally awesome!!LOVE u guys! LOVE @AUSParalympics On track4September!
— Liesl Tesch (@LieslTesch) June 20, 2016
