Posted at 3:55 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Brazilian fencer dropped after stabbing accident
Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — The Brazilian fencer accidentally stabbed by his brother in a practice session for the Pan American Games was dropped from the competition today.Ivan Schwantes, who underwent surgery to drain blood and air from his lung after his brother's epee snapped near his right underarm on Monday, will remain hospitalized for at least another 72 hours, the Brazilian Olympic Committee said in a statement.
"We need to think about his health before anything else, so he won't participate in the games," Brazil's delegation chief Marcus Vinicius Freire said in the statement.
The fencing competition begins Saturday.
Doctor Daniel Sammartino said the fencer's injury is not life-threatening and he is in good condition.
Patricio Runnacles will substitute for Schwantes on the Brazilian team.
Schwantes and his brother, Athos, were practicing at the Pan American village in Rio when the accident occurred.
