Aussie rowing coaches robbed at knifepoint in Rio

Two Australian rowing coaches have been robbed at knifepoint in Rio last night shortly after a team march to celebrate the start of the Olympics.

The pair were making their way back to the team hotel in Ipanema about 8.30pm when they were approached by two teenage boys, one of whom pulled a knife and demanded money.

One of the coaches was grabbed around the throat before the attackers stole the men’s credit cards, mobile phones and an Australian team blazer.

The coaches kept the incident secret from their athletes, who were rowing on the opening day of competition.

As a result, new security measures have been introduced for the Australian teams based in the beachside suburb.

Team members have been instructed not to walk after 6pm, wear casual clothes and keep their accreditation hidden.