World champion sport star recollects her horror when she was simply 50 metres from alleged Bondi gunmen
- Was caught up in the mass shooting that saw 15 people killed
A champion athlete and health and fitness creator has described the sheer terror of fleeing from armed terrorists after being caught in the middle of the Bondi mass shooting.
Two armed attackers allegedly opened fire on crowds attending a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing 15 people including a 10-year-old girl.
Police shot dead one of the alleged attackers at the scene, while the second was taken into custody after being seriously wounded, and suspected explosive devices were later found and made safe.
Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack driven by antisemitic hatred, as investigations continue and security has been heightened nationwide.
Australian former world champion beach sprinter Katie Williams was among those who fled in terror.
And she has shared her experience with her audience of more than 148,000 Instagram followers.
Australian beach sprinter and world champion Katie Williams (pictured in sunglasses and hat) was using the public bathrooms at Bondi when Sunday’s mass shooting occurred
Williams was forced to flee along with hundreds of other beachgoers (pictured) as two alleged gunmen opened fire
Williams (pictured) posted about the terror she experienced while running for her life without knowing how many alleged gunmen there were, or where they were located
‘No words. Pure shock,’ she posted with an injured heart emoji.
‘Utter heartbreak.
‘I was in the public bathrooms to the left of the shootings, within 50 metres.
‘They were not safe. People panicked. There were shouts of a mass shooting and a terror attack.
‘We had no idea how many gunmen there were.
‘Multiple gunshots were going off, with yelling and sirens everywhere. I ran.
‘Gunshots behind me. Pure chaos. Complete terror.
‘I ran into Sean’s [restaurant] in North Bondi where other civilians were hiding. We hid for about an hour.
Williams posted this account of her ordeal to her Instagram Story
Williams then posted this plea to her 140,000 followers on Tuesday after spending three days offline following the ordeal
Tributes continue to flow for the 15 people who were killed at Bondi, including a 10-year-old girl
‘I later rode my bike home from the beach. Police and ambulances on every street.
‘So many victims. Praying for every victim and their families. This is a nightmare.
‘Please stay indoors, stay informed and stay safe.’
Williams posted again on Tuesday, the first time she had been online since the terrifying ordeal.
‘I’ve been offline since the attack,’ she posted.
‘Here today to honour the victims and everyone affected.
‘I am safe, but I have a lot to process.
‘Praying for humanity with an open heart and vigilant mind.
‘Please be gentle, we’ve all seen a lot.
‘Sending love to everyone touched by this. We may never be the same, but we are not alone.
‘If ever there was a time to love extra hard, it’s now.’
