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Belgian Athlete Falls Ill After Swimming in Seine, Leading Team to Withdraw from Triathlon Relay

Belgian Athlete Falls Ill After Swimming in Seine, Leading Team to Withdraw from Triathlon Relay

August 4, 2024

PARIS — Belgium’s Olympic committee announced Sunday that it would withdraw its team from the mixed relay triathlon at the Paris Olympics after one of its competitors who swam in the Seine River fell ill.

Claire Michel, who competed in the women’s triathlon Wednesday, “is unfortunately ill and will have to withdraw from the competition,” the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee said in a statement.

The mixed relay triathlon is scheduled to take place Monday, with the swim portion of the competition slated for the Seine as well. The statement did not elaborate on Michel’s illness but it comes after concerns over the river’s water quality. Organizers had said that bacteria levels in the river were at a level that was considered safe for the athletes.

The Belgian committee said it “hopes that lessons will be learned for future triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games. We are thinking here of the guarantee of training days, competition days and the competition format, which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for the athletes, entourage and supporters.”

Belgian Athlete Falls Ill After Swimming in Seine, Leading Team to Withdraw from Triathlon Relay

A Belgian athlete recently fell ill after swimming in the Seine River in Paris, France, leading his team to withdraw from the triathlon relay event. The incident has raised concerns about water quality in the river and the potential health risks associated with swimming in polluted waters.

The athlete, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly developed symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea shortly after completing the swimming portion of the relay race. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and observation. His condition is said to be stable, but he will remain under medical supervision for the time being.

The decision to withdraw the Belgian team from the triathlon relay was made out of an abundance of caution, as officials were concerned about the health and safety of the other team members. It is unclear at this time whether any other athletes who swam in the Seine during the event have also experienced similar symptoms.

The incident has sparked a debate about the water quality in the Seine River, which has a long history of pollution due to industrial runoff, sewage discharge, and other contaminants. Despite efforts to clean up the river in recent years, concerns about water quality persist, especially in areas where swimming and other water sports are popular.

In response to the incident, race organizers have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the water quality of the Seine River and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of athletes in future events. They have also advised all participants to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of illness after swimming in the river.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water quality monitoring and public health awareness when it comes to recreational activities in natural bodies of water. Athletes and spectators alike should be vigilant about potential risks and take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to harmful contaminants.