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Athlete 'in shock' after being assaulted while training for the Olympics
Middle-distance runner Sarah McDonald has expressed her shock after being assaulted while training for the Olympics.
Due to sporting facilities being closed under the coronavirus lockdown, the runner has been training on the canal towpath in Birmingham when a man on a moped grabbed her backside.
Sarah McDonald was grabbed by a man while warming up on the canal towpath in Birmingham. She was out with a training partner when the assault occured on Wednesday and has confirmed she will be reporting the incident to the police.
McDonald, who has represented Great Britain at World and European Championships level, took to Twitter to share what happened, writing: 'Unfortunately today I experienced something that wasn’t acceptable, while warming up for my session on the canal towpath 2 men passed me on a moped, slowing down so the man on the back could grab my bum. As a runner I’ve been heckled and had things shouted but this was completely different. Thankfully I wasn’t alone at the time as this situation could have been worse, but until today I’d have felt comfortable being on my own and this has been a wake up call - be vigilant and look after each other.'
Unfortunately today I experienced something that wasn’t acceptable, while warming up for my session on the canal towpath 2 men passed me on a moped, slowing down so the man on the back could grab my bum. As a runner I’ve been heckled and had things shouted but this was 1/2
— Sarah McDonald (@SarahAMcDonald) February 24, 2021
The runner told the BBC she had been training at the quiet location frequently during lockdown and was used to being catcalled.
Fellow runners shared their support on social media:
For every man calling this behavior appalling: I hope you also recognize micro-aggression type behavior toward women - from yourself, your friends, strangers - and call it out. It doesn’t have to be this way and there is more you can do than sympathize.
— Lisa (@26Dragonflies) February 25, 2021
This is absolutely ridiculous. When will this ever change where people can just enjoy a run on the canal and why should we even have to think about running with someone or relocating to a track? Let's not blow this off as "this is the world we live in" - change is possible
— Bill Sass (@sass96) February 24, 2021
A number of Welsh sprinters recently spoke out about the harassment they have experienced when training outdoors.
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