Security now real concern for Paralympians

The Australian Paralympic sailor robbed at gun point says athletes will have to be alert all the time in Rio to prevent further attacks.

Australian Paralympic sailor Liesl Tesch (L)

The Australian Paralympic sailor (L) held up at gun point in Rio says security is a real concern. (AAP)

The Australian Paralympic sailor held up at gun point in Rio is now concerned security could be a real issue heading into the city's Games.

Liesl Tesch and team official Sarah Ross were allegedly threatened with a pistol, pushed to the ground and had their bike stolen on Sunday in what they perceived to be a safe area, and now the 2012 gold medallist is warning the threat is real.

"It's a pretty scary place to be," Tesch told ABC News 24.

"This is not a statistic in this city, it's a reality.

"My message to family and friends is that you can't be too careful here."

However Tesch, who has also represented Australia in wheelchair basketball, said she would be having no second thoughts about competing in Rio.

"I backed up and got on the water straight after the incident that day," she said.

"It's just what I do as an athlete.

"I'm here to do the best I can out on the water for the Australian sailing paralympic team and chase that gold medal."

The pair are the third group of Olympic sailors to be attacked in the city in the past 18 months, and has raised the concern of Australian authorities.

"The safety of our team members is paramount," CEO of Australian Sailing, Matt Carroll said on Monday.

"We will continue to work with the Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian Federal Police to ensure our team has an appropriate level of security to ensure their safety in the lead-up to, and during, both the Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The incident has been reported to the Australian Federal Police.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world