Attack during training – stones thrown at our athletes in Jordan!

Other countries other ways. But what Austrian professional triathletes Sara Vilic (Carinthia) and Tanja Strohschneider experienced on their first (and probably last) trip to Jordan had absolutely nothing to do with normal customs. Because in Aqaba, the day before the Continental Cup race, the duo experienced some anxious moments.

Since 2016 Olympic competitor Vilic and Strohschneider were looking for a quieter harbor basin to train next to the public beach – a mistake. “Suddenly there were ten guys who insulted us. A few were already changing – we noticed they didn’t like it: women in bathing suits and stuff,” says Vilic.

Stones were thrown at athletes
Then the 30-year-old describes the terrifying scenes: “During the swim they surrounded us a bit – and suddenly threw stones! Then it got serious and really dangerous. A big one just missed my head, a slap Tanja on the back.” The athletes stayed in the water for the time being: “We felt safer there, we are faster. When one of the guys attacked me, I submerged him and we left.”

In the end there were 30 men, and coach Willi Lilge was also under pressure. “We had more luck than common sense. Tanja only has a bruise. It could have ended badly.”

Podium for Vilic
Besides, you were probably in the wrong place. “Everything is normal at the resort. Outside of that, you notice the strange culture – especially towards women,” says Vilic, who at least was able to laugh again on Saturday: Thanks to third place in the race, Strohschneider finished fifth.