Rio 2016: Bronze medalist chases down thief on beach

Rio de Janeiro: Belgian athlete Dirk Van Tichelt — who won bronze in the 73kg judo competition — chased down a thief and was punched on the face.

His training partner’s phone was stolen when they were celebrating on Copacabana beach.

The assault left a scar under his eye as well. It looked like a plan theft for Tichelt was attacked by someone else while he ran after the crook.

The 32-year-old was taken to the hospital but he didn’t need medical treatment. Rather, the high-spirited athlete met the media with a black eye and smile on his face.

According to reports, the assault was by a local call girl but Belgian Olympic Committee believes it was a male.

There have been many injuries in the Rio Games but off the event, this is the first.

Earlier, Dutch cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten suffered facial injuries in the women’s road race. French gymnast Samir Ait Said broke his leg during the vault.