Olympic sailors mugged near site for 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games

As if the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games needed any more bad news, two British sailors were mugged at knifepoint on the way back to their hotel after a training session in the Brazilian city.

Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark, who won silver together at the 2012 London Games, said they were accosted by two men, roughed up and robbed of their belongings, which included training gear.

“All unharmed,” they wrote on a joint Twitter page. “Welcome to Rio ....”

They elaborated on Facebook: “Our delightful walk back from the sailing club to the hotel turned fairly nasty when 2 guys wielding 7-inch knives ran at us, pushed us around and grabbed everything we had. Along with the things that were actually worth something, the most annoying thing right now is our Lycra we were sailing in got taken....unbelievable!!

“Anyway, we made it back to the hotel slightly shaken but all ok.....looking forward to what tomorrow brings.”

The Rio Games have been troubled by reports of construction delays, civil unrest and government disorganization. There has also been concern about pollution at the sailing site.

Follow David Wharton on Twitter @LATimesWharton