Paris Olympics: Australian team on high alert after rape allegation

The Australian Olympic team has been placed on high alert following allegations of a sexual assault in Paris. Anna Meares, the Australian Olympic team chief, addressed the situation during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance among athletes as the 2024 Paris Games approach.

The incident in question involves a 25-year-old Australian woman, who reported being gang-raped in northern Paris over the weekend. The Paris prosecutor’s office has confirmed that local police are actively investigating the allegations. The woman sought refuge in a restaurant following the alleged attack, where she was attended to by emergency services.

Meares, while acknowledging the team’s awareness of the allegations, noted that detailed information remains limited. “The security presence is really high,” she stated, addressing concerns about athlete safety. She further emphasised that there have been no reports from Australian athletes feeling unsafe thus far.

In light of the situation, the Australian Olympic team is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its members. Athletes venturing outside the Olympic Village are advised to travel in groups and avoid wearing team uniforms. Instead, they are encouraged to don plain clothes to maintain a low profile.

The incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming Paris Olympics, set to commence with an opening ceremony along the Seine River on Friday. While French officials have stated that there are no direct threats from militant groups against the Games, concerns about petty crime and violence persist. These worries are particularly pertinent given the influx of thousands of tourists expected in the French capital for the Olympic events.