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The ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 have been marred with several controversies. While all of it began at the start of the Games, it continues to add on after there were pollution complaints in the River Seine. Adding to the vows, Belgium recently withdrew their mixed relay triathlon team after one of their star athletes, Claire Michel was hospitalised with E. coli infection.
Although it is being reported that Michel had been ill from the last four days, it is being said that she picked up the illness after swimming in the River Seine during the women’s triathlon last week. However, the triathlon events have been one of the key concerns, questioning the water quality, this comes as a setback.
The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) issued a statement in this regard stating, "The BOIC and Belgian Triathlon must unfortunately announce that the 'Belgian Hammers' will not be starting the mixed relay at the Paris Olympic Games tomorrow. The decision, like this communication, was taken in consultation with the athletes and their entourage. Claire Michel, a member of the relay, is unfortunately ill and must withdraw from the competition."
“The BOIC and the Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for the next triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games,” they further added, taking a jibe at the organisers. It is to be noted that earlier the men’s triathlon was pushed back by 24 hours due to the water quality, but was later held after the women’s event. Even the swimming familiarisation session was called off on Sunday owning to the water quality.
Switzerland make changes in their mixed relay triathlon after Adrien Briffod’s withdrawal
Thing did not rest here for the triathlon event organisers as the Switzerland team also face a jolt. The Swiss team was forced to make changes in their lineup after Adrien Briffod had to withdraw after suffering with gastrointestinal infection. However, Simon Westermann replaced Briffod in the side.
Swiss Olympic Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Hanspeter Betschart also issued a statement after Briffod’s withdrawal, adding that they were unclear if the infection was related to the water quality in River Seine. “A survey of my colleagues from other countries has so far not revealed any accumulation of gastrointestinal illnesses among the athletes who started the individual race last Wednesday,” Hanspeter said.
