Australian Olympic legend Stephanie Rice has shared a sorrowful update regarding her husband, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East has left them stranded an agonising 12,000 kilometres apart. The three-time gold medallist's spouse, Mark Lassey, is currently based in Dubai, a city that has faced multiple airstrikes following joint military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Heartfelt Social Media Plea
Rice, who has been in Australia since the hostilities began, expressed her profound distress on social media, highlighting the personal toll of the geopolitical crisis. 'Missing my husband. Missing my home. Praying I can get back to Dubai as soon as it's safe!' she wrote in an emotional Instagram story. More than nine days have elapsed since the war erupted, with the couple unable to reunite in person due to the dangerous conditions.
Dubai Under Attack
The situation intensified when Dubai, Rice's new home since November 2023, was struck by Iranian attacks shortly after the conflict commenced. The city's iconic Burj Al-Arab Hotel was reportedly hit by an Iranian suicide drone, while the Palm Jumeirah Hotel also suffered a drone attack, resulting in four injuries. Additionally, Dubai International Airport was evacuated amid reports of targeting by an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Life in Dubai and Marriage
Rice, 37, relocated to Dubai from Australia and soon met Lassey, a pastor for the Kingdom City church, which has a branch in the city. After a whirlwind seven-month romance, Lassey proposed at Dubai's Atlantis The Royal Hotel in September 2024, and the pair married in January 2025, subsequently living together in Dubai. A devout Christian, Rice joined the Kingdom City church and has spoken openly about her deepened religious commitment since moving.
Church Services Cancelled
In response to the attacks, in-person services at Lassey's Kingdom City church were cancelled for safety reasons. The church issued a statement advising congregants to 'follow government advice calmly... keep updated via official channels only and not to share unverified information over social media.' This move underscores the widespread disruptions caused by the conflict.
Travel Warnings Issued
The Australian government has now urged citizens to avoid travel to the United Arab Emirates, with Smartraveller issuing a 'do not travel' warning on Sunday. The advisory notes that 'The UAE airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports,' and warns of potential movement restrictions and travel disruptions due to military conflict in the region.
Rice's plight highlights the human impact of international crises, as the Olympic champion navigates separation from her husband amid ongoing violence and uncertainty in the Middle East.
