Swimming: Olympic champion stabbed in street
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alexander Popov, the only man to retain the Olympic 50 and 100 metres freestyle titles, underwent an emergency operation yesterday after being stabbed on a street in south-west Moscow.
However, the 24-year-old said in a television interview that his life was in no danger and he promised he would be back in the pool shortly. "There's no need to worry. We're going to be walking soon - and swimming." he insisted cheerfully from his bed in the intensive care ward of Hospital No 31 in the Russian capital.
A senior member of the medical team said in another television interview: "We hope that developments after the operation will be normal. We have every reason to believe so."
Itar-Tass news agency quoted police as saying that Popov, who trains in Australia, was stabbed in the abdomen at about 11 p.m. on Saturday after becoming involved in an argument with a group of roadside watermelon sellers.
The head of the Russian swimming federation, Gennady Aleshin, said the wound had affected a lung and Popov's kidneys. No arrests were made and police were still investigating the incident.
Tass said that the Russian Prime Minister, Viktor Chernomyrdin, had expressed outrage at the attack and had ordered the health authorities to ensure the double Olympic champion was given the best possible treatment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments