August 29th 2024.
A Paralympic athlete has caught the attention of the police after she disappeared in Paris nine days ago. The athlete, who remains unnamed, is a member of Rwanda's sitting volleyball team and had just competed against Brazil on the first day of the Games. However, she hasn't been seen since she left her team's base in Courbevoie, in northern Paris, to join some friends for dinner.
The disappearance was reported to the police by the Rwandan Olympic Committee on Tuesday, just a day before the athlete was supposed to participate in the opening ceremony. As a result, the Nanterre prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the matter, describing it as a "worrying disappearance". Paris 2024 Paralympics spokesperson also confirmed that they have been informed of the situation and are working closely with the Rwandan National Paralympic Committee.
Rwanda had qualified for the Games after winning the ParaVolley Africa championship earlier this year and is currently ranked fifth in the world. However, they faced a tough start to their journey, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Brazil, who are ranked second in the world. On the official Paris 2024 website, Rwanda was listed as having a 16-person team, compared to Brazil's 18 players.
In their group, Rwanda is set to face Slovenia and Canada, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals. The disappearance of their athlete has caused concern, especially since it comes just a month after a member of Cuba's staff went missing during the Paris Olympics. Judoka Dayle Ojeda had traveled to Paris to assist her fellow countrywoman Idalys Ortiz with her preparations, but later sought political asylum in Spain.
The missing athlete's identity has not been disclosed, but it is clear that her absence has impacted her team and the entire Paralympic community. As the investigation continues, we can only hope for her safe return and for this to serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes, both on and off the field.
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