Jenny Thompson Attacked Near Boston

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Eight-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Jenny Thompson says would-be robbers punched her in the face in a failed bid to steal her scooter outside Boston.

Thompson told WBZ-TV on Wednesday that she was riding in Brookline on Monday night when a vehicle stopped behind her with its headlights out. She says two people got out, punched her, pushed her down and tried to grab her ride.

Thompson held onto the scooter and screamed for help, forcing the assailants to flee on foot. The 37-year-old suffered a cut on her nose and several scrapes and was treated at the scene.

Police spokesman Lt. Philip Harrington says officers arrested three teenagers who were riding around on stolen scooters later that night.

Thompson is one of the most successful American Olympians, with 12 medals overall.

Comments

[Balzac]

06:50 PM on 07/05/2010

That is outrageous and awful. I hope her attackers are caught, convicted and given long sentences.

[Archers of October]

12:01 PM on 07/05/2010

Put'um up Put'um up.. why I otta!!!

Glad she is shaken but ok.

[Usama]

10:18 AM on 07/03/2010

I would rather die fighting off despicable robbers than die a sick old man in a hospital.

Strong arm robbery is evil and should be put down with necessary force. If you aren't up to the task, then yes, step aside and let evil basterds take your things. And why not take your wife and daughter too. They're not going to be killed and they will return to you, albeit hating you for the rest of your life for not risking your precious life to protect their honor.


If you dont know how to fight or defend yourself or your family or your possessions, its a good idea to learn how to use a legal weapon, all according to the law of course.

Hate us Muslims if you like, but Islam calls for law and order and such evil has to be put down. Criminals should FEAR to commit crime.

[ragtag]

06:17 PM on 07/05/2010

"I would rather die fighting off despicable robbers than die a sick old man in a hospital."

Me too! I can pretty much guarantee that at least a couple of them would have been limping and nursing various forms of facial swelling...

[Opus Loki]

03:38 PM on 07/02/2010

I'm glad she made out OK but I recommend not fighting over something that can be replaced. Vernon Forret (World Welter Weight Champion) was shot and killed over his wallet that he could have easily let that clown get away with. A few months ago a guy in N.Y. was left to bleed to death on the side-walk after being stabbed trying to stop a punk from taking another persons purse. Money, credit cards, IDs, scooters can always be regained. The best thing you can keep in a situation like this is your life. Run away screaming at the top of your lungs but let these thugs have those replacable items. It may not be brave but you'll live to tell the tale.

[Havana Thinks]

09:51 AM on 07/02/2010

So proud of U! Thank God U were not badly Njured. I am praying 4 U & the perpetrators also.

[Mag7]

06:23 PM on 07/02/2010

I'm glad Jenny is okay, but the perps are on their own. No prayers from me.

[metogamekun]

06:27 PM on 07/01/2010

Good reason to wear a full-face helmet.

Glad she wasn't hurt further.

[saskatoonie]

05:28 PM on 07/01/2010

Good for her. I'm sure those idiots weren't expecting a strong woman who could defend herself!

[alpinefresh]

04:38 PM on 07/01/2010

If I were the judge in this case, part of my sentencing for these teens would be to revoke all driving privileges of motorized vehicles for life...except for scooters.

[1Joel1]

03:01 PM on 07/02/2010

I think that she should be allowed to punch them back :)

[michelesda]

02:31 PM on 07/05/2010

I'm glad she wasn't hurt worse, and that she had the athleticism to handle it the way she did.

[Ryan Magdangal]

03:44 PM on 07/01/2010

No one is safe anymore...any goes with corporate values that has usurped our great republic. We forgot about the health and well being of all of our citizens and are now at the mercy of random acts of violence and pettiness.

[JenniferEccles]

07:32 PM on 07/01/2010

Ryan I hate to burst your bubble but we were never safe. This can happen to anyone, anytime and its important to take all the safety precautions we were taught as kids.... even now that we are adults.

[DocWylie]

03:07 PM on 07/01/2010

Surprise IS the best defense.

[graciesgra]

01:03 PM on 07/01/2010

Boy, she sure was brave. I'm glad she wasn't hurt any worse than she was. But, maybe that approach was foolish. Sometimes those kinds of people have knives or guns and they aren't afraid to use them. Her scooter wasn't worth the price of her life.

[relikx]

12:37 PM on 07/01/2010

Sounds like she showed those punks what's up if they weren't even strong enough to take the scooter. I bet she could have taken any of them one on one.

[uranmew]

12:30 PM on 07/01/2010

Olympic Gold Medalist Jenny Thompson Attacked Boston Video Coverage:

http://pqrnews.com/News/the-associated-press-olympic-swimmer-jenny-thompson-attacked-in-mass-/

[SamShah33]

01:41 PM on 07/01/2010

yeah the story is posted up top already

[scorpioleidy]

12:21 PM on 07/01/2010

Glad she's okay ... and that no one tried to kidnap her & force her to do drugs!

[dawn9476]

11:34 AM on 07/01/2010

I am glad she is ok. I have always been a fan of hers.