Triathletes Hospitalized After Swimming in Seine River

Publish date: Tuesday، 06 August 2024

The Paris Olympics has been hit by a health scare as multiple athletes fall seriously ill after competing in the triathlon events held in the Seine River. The worst fears of the organizers have now become a reality.

Belgium has been forced to pull out of the mixed triathlon relay after athlete Claire Michel was hospitalized with an E. coli infection. Michel, 35, has been ill for the past four days, rendering her unable to participate. The team’s inability to find a replacement has led to their withdrawal from the competition.

Triathletes Hospitalized After Swimming in Seine River

Swiss Triathlete Also Affected

Swiss triathlete Adrien Briffod has also fallen seriously ill following the men’s individual triathlon event. This follows concerns over the water quality in the Seine, which had previously led to the postponement of the men’s event.

Triathletes Hospitalized After Swimming in Seine River

Official Statements and Future Concerns

The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) has issued a statement urging for improvements in future triathlon events. They emphasized the need for clear competition formats, reliable training conditions, and better overall planning to avoid uncertainty for athletes, support teams, and fans.

Despite the French government’s $1.5 billion effort to clean up the Seine River, which had been banned for swimming since 1923 due to pollution, the water quality has not met expectations.

Triathletes Hospitalized After Swimming in Seine River

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