More Triathletes Fall Ill After Swimming in the Seine
- ByEmilie Leroy --
- 2024-08-05 07:49:34 --
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- FRA
Infection Concerns Disrupt Olympic Mixed Team Relay Event
The Olympic triathlon events in Paris have been plagued by health issues after several athletes fell ill following the open-water swimming portion in the Seine River. Just days after Belgian triathlete Claire Michel was hospitalized due to an E. coli infection, the Swiss triathlon team has also been impacted by gastrointestinal illnesses among its competitors.
Adrien Briffod, who participated in the individual men's triathlon, has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming mixed team relay event "due to a gastrointestinal infection," according to a statement from the Swiss Olympic team. The medical director of the Swiss Olympic team, Hanspeter Betschart, said it is impossible to definitively link Briffod's illness to the water quality of the Seine, which has been a subject of debate in recent days after some competitions were postponed due to concerns over its suitability for swimming.
"A survey with my colleagues in other countries so far has not revealed an accumulation of gastrointestinal diseases among athletes who started the individual race last Wednesday," Betschart noted.
Furthermore, on Sunday, Simon Westermann, who was slated to replace Briffod in the mixed team relay, also had to be substituted after developing the same health issue. The Swiss team announced that Westermann will be replaced by Sylvain Fridelance, again "due to a gastrointestinal infection."
"Two withdrawals in just a few days is very unusual and regrettable for the athletes who were so eager to participate in this Olympic event. But in high-performance sports, you have to accept the situation quickly, react and find the best possible solution. We are convinced that our team will also put in a good performance in this composition," said Tamara Mathis, the leader of the Swiss triathlon team.
The triathlon and open-water swimming events in the Seine were meant to be landmark moments for the Paris 2024 Olympics, allowing for swimming in the river for the first time in over a century after significant investments to improve water quality. However, the recent issues have raised concerns about the suitability of the Seine for these competitions.
In the case of the hospitalized Belgian triathlete, Claire Michel, the cause of her illness was identified as the E. coli bacteria. Due to her hospitalization, the Belgian team as a whole will not participate in the mixed team relay scheduled for Monday, the Belgian Olympic Committee (COIB) announced.
"The COIB and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for the next triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games," the committee said in a statement.
According to the U.S. Mayo Clinic, E. coli bacteria can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, and even small amounts can cause infection. The clinic notes that human and animal feces can pollute groundwater and surface waters, including streams, rivers, and lakes, leading to potential E. coli exposure for swimmers.
The recent health issues among triathletes have disrupted the Olympic competitions and raised concerns about the water quality in the Seine River. As the Games continue, organizers will need to address these concerns to ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes participating in the aquatic events.
Despite the setbacks, the Swiss team remains optimistic about their chances in the mixed team relay, with Tamara Mathis expressing confidence that they will "put in a good performance" with the revised lineup. The Belgian team, on the other hand, will have to miss the event entirely due to Claire Michel's illness.
As the Olympic triathlon competitions continue, the health concerns surrounding the Seine River will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion and scrutiny. The organizers will need to address these issues and ensure the safety of all athletes to maintain the integrity of the Games.
The recent withdrawals and illnesses among triathletes have cast a shadow over the Paris 2024 Olympics, raising questions about the preparedness of the host city and the potential risks to athletes. As the Games progress, it will be crucial for the organizers to prioritize the health and safety of all participants, while also ensuring the successful completion of these high-profile events.