Courage and fitness were key to saving couple's lives

Courage and fitness were key to saving couple’s lives

0 Comments | Evening Times; Glasgow (UK), Jul 27, 2010 | by CAROLINE WILSON

A MAN’S fitness and courage probably saved him and his wife’s life after they were attacked in a bungled break-in, it has been claimed.

Robin Hyslop coached Johannes Alder, 37, who was attacked along with his wife at their Paisley home last Friday.

Paying tribute to the martial arts champ, Mr Hyslop said: “A friend phoned me on Friday night and I found it difficult to take in.

“Johannes is a very fit man and I’m sure that his fitness and his courage saved both their lives.

“It’s great to hear that Liz and Johannes are now both out of hospital.

Mr Alder, a five-times British champion in sombo wrestling, and his wife Liz, 38, are recovering after being knifed by two men who broke into their home.

Police are still hunting for the pair believed to be responsible for a string of break-ins that night.

Johannes was stabbed in the face and the neck after confronting the two intruders, believed to be teenagers, who had already attacked his wife at their home in Saucel Hill Terrace.

The crime has sent shockwaves through the community and senior figures in sombo wrestling, a Russian martial art which merges judo, ju-jitsu, karate and east European wrestling.

As well as winning the British title five times, Mr Alder has won the Scottish championships almost ever year for the past 10 years and represented the UK in the world championships.

Mr Hyslop, chairman of the British Sombo Federation, coached Johannes in England before he trained in Glasgow clubs.

“Johannes’s father was my Judo coach back in the 70s, he had a fantastic attitude and was respected by everyone in the Judo world.

“Johannes has the same qualities and is liked by all who compete in Judo and Sombo wrestling.

“He became my student at a young age and then went on to train at Glasgow clubs when he went to university.

“Johannes is an inspiration to many of the young competitors who love to watch him compete and a great ambassador for Judo and Sombo Wrestling.

“When I travel to overseas events there are always people asking for him.

“It’s frustrating to think that this just happened out of the blue. I hope the police catch the people responsible.”

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk