Multiple Olympics 2024 athletes hospitalised after swimming in polluted Seine in nightmare for Paris organisers
MULTIPLE triathletes have been hospitalised after swimming in the Seine at the Paris Olympics.
The polluted river was used for the men’s, women’s and mixed relay triathlon events.
It is also set to host the 10km open water swims on Thursday and Friday.
However, two athletes have reportedly been hospitalised after swimming in the river.
According to News.com.au, Switzerland’s Adrien Briffod fell seriously ill after the men’s triathlon last week.
Briffod finished 49th out of 50 finishers but did not compete for the Swiss team in Monday’s mixed relay.
His absence followed Belgium’s withdrawal from the event after Claire Michel was hospitalised with an E. coli infection.
She had been sick for four days following the women’s event, with the team forced to withdraw from the relay having been unable to replace Michel.
A statement from the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee explained: “The BOIC and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for future triathlon competitions.
“We are thinking of training days that can be guaranteed, competition days and formats that are clear in advance and circumstances that do not lead to uncertainty among athletes, entourage and fans.”
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Michel’s team-mate Jolien Vermeylen had earlier said she “felt and saw things that we shouldn’t think about too much”.
Pollution in the Seine has caused chaos throughout the Games, with the men’s relay pushed back a day before Team GB’s Alex Yee won gold.
Swimming in the river has been banned since 1923 due to the poor water quality and health hazards.
Heavy rain during the Olympics has since increased E. coli levels, with athletes even seen throwing up after crossing the finishing line.
The mixed relay practice swim was also cancelled this week, although the race went ahead as planned.
Team GB claimed bronze behind gold medallists Germany and the USA.
The 10km open water swim events are scheduled to once again take place in the Seine on Thursday and Friday.
However, the practice sessions were cancelled just two days before the event, with an alternative location at Vaires-sur-Marne on standby.
The venue has already hosted rowing at the Olympics, but is now available following the end of the regatta.