They suggest that team members “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”.
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An unnamed member of the British Olympic team in Rio was robbed at gunpoint this week-just days after American swimmer Ryan Lochte and several others claimed to have been stopped at gunpoint as well.
The British Olympic team says an athlete was robbed while returning to their accommodation in Rio de Janeiro.
Officials from the Great Britain track and field team sent an email to athletes on Wednesday, The Guardian said, including a warning that travel by taxi after dark was not safe and should be avoided.
“All members of our delegation, including the individual concerned, are accounted for, and are safe and well”, the BOA said in a statement.
The letter ends by warning athletes that it’s safer to not venture out into Rio. “If you can’t make the morning after you finish, go the morning after that – this is for your own safety”, the letter said.
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”.
They have since been reminded of security protocols including not to wear official GB kit outside of the Olympic Village and not to take local taxis, according to the Guardian.
“Think very carefully about whether it is worth the risk of leaving the village to celebrate after you have finished competing”, the email read. “Our strong advice is that it is simply not worth the risk, given the current climate in Rio”.
It also stated that team members must inform officials before they go out on the town.
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Greg Rutherford, who won bronze in the long jump, had his phone stolen on Sunday.
