Though “details are sketchy at this point”, the alleged robbery prompted an “unprecedented warning” to British athletes cautioning them to leave the Olympic village at their own risk after dark.
Advertisement
They were warned not to wear their Team GB outfits or take taxis if they did venture out and to warn officials if they intended on staying out overnight.
According to Scott Field, Director of Communications for Team GB, the unnamed athlete was held up “returning to their accommodation” from a night out early Tuesday morning.
A spokesman for the British Olympic team confirmed an “incident of theft”, adding: “All members of our delegation, including the individual concerned, are accounted for, and are safe and well”.
While the email only advised athletes not to go out, it could turn into a full-out ban the remainder of the Olympics if more safety and security risks arise.
News of Tuesday’s robbery comes amid a mounting controversy over claims that US swimmer Ryan Lochte and three teammates were robbed at gunpoint.
It also tells them of the dangers of going out on the town, and tells them they must inform officials before they go out. “Think very carefully about whether it is worth the risk of leaving the village to celebrate after you have finished competing”.
The Guardian are reporting that the victim is shaken but unhurt – however the incident led officials to send an email to British athletes, in which they state that Rio is “NOT a safe environment”.
British competitors should “avoid leaving the village after dark in anything other than British Olympic Association/Local Organising Committee/UK Athletics transport-taxis can not be considered safe late at night”.
Advertisement
Athletes were also told that wearing distinctive Team Great Britain clothing and carrying items of value “makes you too big a target for theft/crime”.
