Belgian triathlete falls ill with E.coli, team withdraws from event due to Seine river water quality

Belgian triathlete Claire Michel falls ill, leading to team’s withdrawal from the relay event due to the Seine river.

The Belgian triathlon team has withdrawn from the planned mixed relay event on Monday after Claire Michel, one of its athletes, fell ill, the Belgian national Olympic committee announced. The team’s withdrawal coincides with Olympic organizers cancelling a training session for the swimming portion of the race due to inadequate water quality in the Seine river.

A report from Belgian media, specifically De Standaard, claims that Michel is hospitalized with an E. coli infection. The Belgian Olympic Committee declined to comment directly on the claims, and World Triathlon, the sport's international governing body, said it was not aware of the situation. The International Olympic Committee, through spokesman Mark Adams, stated that it was investigating the issue.

The Belgian Olympic Committee and Belgian Triathlon expressed hope that lessons will be learned from this incident to improve future competitions, including ensuring reliable training days, clear race formats, and safe conditions for athletes and spectators. Concerns about the Seine river’s water quality have persisted throughout the Paris Olympics, with E. coli levels fluctuating due to varying weather conditions. E. coli bacteria can cause gastrointestinal problems, ranging from mild to severe infections.

Despite skepticism, Olympic organizers have been promoting the Seine as a swimmable body of water and plan to open three Seine bathing sites to the public by 2025. The Paris Games are seeking to establish a lasting legacy with the Seine’s cleanliness.