After placing third Monday in the 73-kilogram judo competition, Tichelt spent the night celebrating his accomplishments at Copacabana Beach. That’s where he was reportedly assaulted and his cell phone stolen.
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The Belgian Olympic Committee released a statement confirming the details, according to reports.
Via Europe Online Magazine:
Although he did not need any additional medical attention, he left the incident with a black eye. The thief may have gotten Tichelt’s cell phone, but he didn’t steal his medal, or his happiness.
They found that the Brazilian individual was the aggressor and that Van Tichelt was “the victim,” the committee said. The Belgian athlete was taken to hospital, but did not require medical treatment.
