A Belgian Olympic medal-winning judo star chased down a thief and was punched in the face on Copacabana Beach, just hours after his win the Independent reports.
Dirk Van Tichelt, a bronze medalist in the 73kg judo competition, had been celebrating on the beach when the assault took place.
His training partner’s phone was stolen and he ran after the thief before being punched in the face by someone else, according to the Belgian Olympic Committee.
Van Tichelt, 32, was reportedly taken to the hospital but did not require medical treatment.
The bronze medalist appeared at a media event the following day with a black eye – but he still had a smile on his face.
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