Paris Olympics 2024 so far had been a successful event untill, a mishap happened on Monday. Several athletes have been hospitalised. The organisers’ worst fears have come true after multiple athletes fell seriously ill after competing in the triathlon. There were concerns over the events taking place in the Seine River and now the reality has hit. Belgium has thus pulled out of the competition in the event.
After one of their athletes Claire Michel, had been sick for four days and is now out of the race. She was hospitalised due to an E. coli infection. Not only the Belgian swimmer but others have been ill as well. As per reports Swiss triathlete Adrien Briffod has fallen seriously ill following the men’s event. It has been a concern for the organising committee.
They will have severe backlash after the whole event is over. On Sunday night, representatives from World Triathlon, the International Olympic Committee, Paris Games organisers, and regional and weather authorities evaluated water samples. The results showed that the water quality at the triathlon location has improved in recent hours and would be within the criteria set by World Triathlon.
Risk for marathon swimmers in the Seine
Does the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not know the consequences of swimming in a contaminated river? Fears were conveyed. The mixed relay event may be scrapped after athletes were denied a practice swim owing to poor water quality. Heavy rain in Paris has boosted the presence of E. coli and other bacteria in the river.
Swimming in the river has been prohibited since 1923 owing to poor water quality and potential health risks. However, in preparation for the Games, the government spent $1.5 billion to improve quality. Despite the efforts, the outcomes fell short of expectations. The river has been dirty for years now.
Marathon swimming events will be held in the Seine on Thursday and Friday. Five of the eight swimmers who competed in the men’s 1,500-meter freestyle on Sunday night were also scheduled to swim the 10-kilometer marathon.
