Belgian triathlete in Seine

The Belgian triathlon team has withdrawn from the mixed relay event at the Paris Olympics after athlete Claire Michel was hospitalized with an E. coli infection, likely contracted from the Seine River, which has faced ongoing cleanliness issues. Heavy rainfall led to the cancellation of training sessions and raised E. coli levels in the water, prompting serious concerns about athlete safety. Despite a €1 billion clean-up effort, the Seine's water quality has remained subpar, with bacteria levels reportedly ten times above acceptable limits. The Belgian Olympic Committee expressed hope that lessons will be learned for future triathlon events, emphasizing the need for guaranteed training conditions. Meanwhile, a Swiss triathlete also reported a gastrointestinal infection, although it remains unclear if it's linked to the river's water quality. These incidents highlight the significant challenges faced by organizers amid promises of a swimmable Seine as part of the Olympic legacy.