Russian athlete attacked by dogs in Cyprus

On March 28, 41-year-old Russian long-distance runner Irina Masanova was attacked by three large dogs while training near the village of Agia Anna, west of Larnaca. The athlete sustained severe head injuries, including extensive scalp lacerations and significant blood loss. Masanova reported that the attack occurred after the owner of one of the dogs appeared, prompting the animals to react aggressively. While one of the dogs was identified as belonging to the woman present, the other two were reportedly stray. Masanova attempted to defend herself using a stone but was unable to fend off the three dogs. She was subsequently hospitalized, where she underwent a CT scan and received surgical treatment for her scalp wounds. Medical staff prescribed intravenous antibiotics for her recovery. Due to her injuries, the athlete was forced to cancel her participation in a planned half-marathon event.