Belgium has withdrawn from the mixed relay triathlon race scheduled for Monday, while Switzerland has adjusted its roster. Athletes from both countries fell ill following the initial triathlon races last week.
Belgium’s Withdrawal
Belgium announced its decision to withdraw after one of its triathletes, Claire Michel, fell ill. The Belgian National Olympic Committee (BOIC) released a statement but did not specify Michel’s illness. She swam in the River Seine during the women’s triathlon on Wednesday, finishing 38th.
The statement read:
“The BOIC and Belgian Triathlon must unfortunately announce that the ‘Belgian Hammers’ will not be starting the mixed relay at the Paris Olympic Games tomorrow. The decision, like this communication, was taken in consultation with the athletes and their entourage.”
It also included a critique aimed at the organizers:
“The COIB and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for future triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games such as guaranteeing training days, competition days, and the competition format, which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for the athletes and support personnel.”
Changes in the Swiss Team
Switzerland had to replace Adrien Briffod due to a gastrointestinal infection. Simon Westermann will take his place. Swiss Olympic Chief Medical Officer Hanspeter Betschart mentioned that it’s unclear if Briffod’s infection is related to the Seine’s water quality. Betschart noted that no significant accumulation of gastrointestinal illnesses among athletes had been observed.
Organizers’ Response
The Paris 2024 organizers stated that the Seine’s water quality was at a “very good” level on the morning of the individual triathlons. They emphasized that athletes’ health is their top priority. Water quality tests are conducted daily, and decisions on events are made based on these results and other health criteria.
“Water samples taken in the Seine on the morning of the individual triathlon events showed the quality to be at a level considered ‘very good’ by World Triathlon’s criteria, according to results analyzed and released the following day,” the statement added.
Mixed Relay Triathlon to Proceed
Despite the illnesses, World Triathlon and Paris 2024 confirmed that Monday’s mixed relay triathlon would proceed as planned. They noted that water quality in the Seine had improved.
“The latest analysis results confirm that the water quality of the Seine at the triathlon site has improved over the past few hours. Prospective analyses indicate that the water quality will be within acceptable limits by World Triathlon. As a result, World Triathlon has decided to continue the competition.”
Water Quality Concerns
Heavy rains in Paris raised concerns about water quality. Training was canceled for two days due to unsafe water conditions, but the individual races proceeded after tests deemed the water sufficient.
Seine Clean-Up Efforts
The decision to hold events in the Seine, a river where swimming has been illegal for a century, aimed to showcase Paris. Approximately $1.5 billion has been spent on clean-up efforts. Key infrastructure projects, like the new Austerlitz basin, were designed to tackle pollution.
Recent data shows that rainfall can cause E. coli levels to spike. The water quality can change quickly, posing health risks if levels exceed acceptable limits. For instance, after rain on June 30, E. coli levels at Alexandra III Bridge doubled the acceptable level.
Conclusion
The mixed team relay race will feature a 300-meter swim, a 5.8K bike ride, and a 1.8K run for each team member. Athletes and organizers continue to monitor water quality to ensure safety.
Key Points
- Belgium withdrew due to Claire Michel’s illness.
- Switzerland replaced Adrien Briffod with Simon Westermann.
- Organizers assured that water quality is a top priority.
- The mixed relay triathlon will proceed as planned.
- Clean-up efforts and infrastructure projects are in place to improve the Seine’s water quality.(FADA888)