Belgian athlete Claire Michel has been hospitalized with E. coli after swimming in the Seine during the triathlon events at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, according to Nieuwsblad.
The competition took place on July 31, where Michel finished in 38th place.
According to reports, Claire Michel was admitted to the hospital on the same day as the competition and has remained there since. Consequently, the Belgian triathlon team has had to withdraw from the mixed relay event.
It is worth noting that the triathlon events were rescheduled from July 30 to July 31 due to poor water quality in the Seine. After a series of water tests, athletes were eventually cleared to compete.
Previously, the water quality in the river was criticized by Michel's teammate, fellow Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen.
Swedish triathlete Tilda Monsson also complained about the foul smell of the Seine water during the swimming segment of the competition.