Belgian Team Withdraws from Mixed Relay Triathlon

Belgium's Olympic committee has withdrawn its team from the mixed relay triathlon at the Paris Olympics after Claire Michel fell ill with an E. coli infection, reportedly contracted after swimming in the Seine. The women's triathlon faced significant scrutiny due to poor water quality, leading to the postponement of the men's event and cancellations of practice sessions. Despite assurances from organizers about acceptable water quality before the races, heavy rains impacted the Seine, raising bacterial levels. The Belgian committee criticized the organizers, calling for better guarantees regarding training and competition formats to prevent future uncertainties. Additionally, Switzerland's team has also seen changes, with Adrien Briffod replaced due to a gastrointestinal illness, raising further concerns about health implications for athletes participating in the triathlon. The mixed relay triathlon is scheduled to go ahead, but contingencies are in place to adapt the event if water quality issues persist.