Australia’s chef de mission Anna Meares has downplayed security issues that have overshadowed Australia’s Olympic campaign days out from the opening ceremony.
Australian BMX star Logan Martin revealed he had personal items stolen from a van by thieves, in a series of videos posted to Instagram, describing the incident as a “crazy start to the trip.”
It’s the latest in a series of security flare ups in the lead-up to the Games, with two media members attacked in an attempted robbery, while Paris police are also investigating allegations an Australian woman was gang-raped on the weekend.
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Speaking to Nine’s Today, Meares expressed thanks to Paris organisers and declared members of the Australian team must make “smart decisions” to keep safe.
“They (organisers) are turning themselves inside out to put on this show and to put in the safety measures to keep all the athletes of the world safe. We take great comfort in that,” she said.
“I actually caught up with Logan Martin when he came into the village tonight and checked in with him. Seeing if he was OK.
“He was able to retain all of his items because he had an air tag in his stolen bag. He said it was not the first time he’s had things stolen. Fortunately it wasn’t his bikes. But it’s been resolved now.
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“We’re in a big international city. Crime is part of life unfortunately. We just need to have some common sense and stay safe with those smart decisions and be grateful for the people that are put in a position to keep us safe.”
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Meares revealed Australian athletes have been told to keep a low profile while walking Paris’ streets.
“We encouraged them if they go out of the village not to go out on their own not to wear teen uniform just to wear the plain clothes.
“It is based on the security advice that we’ve received and just ensuring the safety of our athletes.”
The security concerns come as reports claim only 80 of Australia’s 460 athletes will be attending the opening ceremony on Saturday morning (AEST), amid concerns about a lack of toilets on the boats that will transport them down the River Seine.
It’s understood the boat ride will take about 45 minutes and Meares said she’ll ensure they have facilities before they get on the boat and prior to departure.
“No, we don’t know (about the toilets). I’m waiting on that information from the briefing this morning,” Meares said on Wednesday.
About 80 athletes and around 100 staff members will be part of the Australian delegation in the historic opening that will not take place in a stadium for the first time.
Instead, the parade of athletes will take place on boats that will travel along the River Seine through the heart of Paris.