The Belgian team withdraws from the Olympic mixed triathlon after Claire Michel's illness from swimming in the Seine.
The Belgian Olympic Committee (COIB) and the corresponding Triathlon Federation have announced that their mixed team will not participate in the event this Monday after the triathlete falls ill. Claire Michel after participating in the women's race on July 31.
“Claire Michel, member of the relay, is unfortunately ill and must withdraw from the competition”These organizations indicated this Sunday in a statement, in which they specify that the decision was made after consulting the athletes and their environment.
Michel, who finished in thirty-eighth position in the female test, became ill after swimming in the Seine River, a body of water that has been a source of controversy due to its quality.
According to belgian media, Michel was infected with the bacteria E.coli, which has led to his hospitalization.
The situation of the Seine River has been a constant problem, even causing the postponement of the men's event for one day and the suspension of training, as happened this Sunday.
Belgium will not be able to participate
The Belgian team planned to compete in the mixed relay with Martin Van Riel, Jolien Verveylen y Jelle Geens, but Michel's illness has left the team without the possibility of participating.
The decision has been made to protect the health of the athletes, something that the IOCB and Belgian Triathlon hope will be taken into account for future competitions.
The Swiss team has also faced similar problems. Adrien Brifford has been replaced due to a gastrointestinal infection, although the medical officer of the Swiss delegation, Hanspeter Betschart, indicated that this circumstance could not be related to the quality of the Seine water.
Initially, Simon Westerman He was going to take Brifford's place, but he also dropped out at the last minute due to gastrointestinal problems. Finally, it will be Sylvain Fridelance, 29 years old, who competes alongside Julie Derron, cathia schar y Max Studer.
The worried athletes
Other athletes have also expressed their discontent. Martin Van Riel He harshly criticized the management of the event, stating that the athletes are treated like “puppets in a television show.” For its part, jolien vermeylen He commented that he had “saw and smelled things” that were unpleasant during his individual triathlon.
Spanish triathletes, among them Miriam Casillas, also showed their discomfort. Casillas, a doctor as well as an athlete, stressed that the health of athletes should be the priority and criticized the lack of an adequate alternative plan to guarantee safe conditions.
