Hospitalization of triathlete Claire Michel raises concerns about water quality in Seine

Belgian triathlete Claire Michel is hospitalized after being contaminated with the E. coli bacteria present in the Seine River, which has raised concerns about the quality of the water used at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Michel, 35, fell ill after participating in the women's triathlon on July 31 and has since been under medical care for severe symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

Michel's hospitalization forced the Belgian team to withdraw from the mixed triathlon relay, scheduled for Monday, August 5. This situation has sparked criticism from the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (IOBC), which has questioned the Games' organisers for failing to ensure the safety of athletes.

Prior to the start of the triathlon and open water swimming competitions, there were already concerns about the water quality of the Seine. Although tests were carried out confirming the viability of competitions on the river, the experiences of the athletes have told a different story. Jolien Vermeylen, another Belgian triathlete, shared his concerns after competing: “I drank a lot of water and tomorrow we will know if I am sick or not. While I was swimming under the bridge, I smelled and saw things that we should not think about too much,” he told Belgian media VTM.

The training planned on the Seine for Sunday was cancelled due to the poor water quality, although the official tests were not threatened. However, the situation has led to the postponement of the men's triathlon competition.

The E. coli bacteria, present in contaminated water, can cause serious diseases such as gastroenteritis, cholera and typhoid fever, when transmitted by the ingestion of water contaminated with faeces. This situation has raised a call for attention to the need to improve the quality of the Seine water for future competitions.

The IOC, together with the Belgian Triathlon, has requested guarantees for athletes, emphasising the importance of having clarity on training days and the format of competitions to avoid uncertainties. “We hope that lessons will be learned for future triathlon competitions,” said the IOC, stressing the importance of protecting the well-being of athletes, their environment and fans.