Two More Athletes Fall Sick After Swimming in the Seine River at Paris Olympics

Another day, another sick Olympian. After Canada’s triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk went viral for puking 10 times after his swim in the disease-infected Seine River at the Paris Olympics, two more athletes have fallen sick.

Swiss triathlete Adrien Briffod and Belgian triathlete Claire Michel are the latest victims of the Seine River, who are facing severe health issues.

Swiss officials confirmed that Briffod contracted a gastrointestinal infection after swimming in the Seine River at the Paris Olympics men’s event on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Belgian competitor Claire Michel clarified her condition, stating, “Blood tests showed that I contracted a virus (not E. Coli).” She described enduring three days of vomiting and diarrhea, which required significant medical attention at the Polyclinic in the Olympic Village.

The Belgium Olympic Committee announced on Sunday that it would withdraw its team from the triathlon mixed relay race following Michel’s illness. Similarly, the Swiss team had to replace one of its athletes due to a gastrointestinal infection. These developments have intensified scrutiny over the decision to use the Seine for Olympic swimming events.

It’s worth mentioning that swimming in the Seine has been illegal for a century due to pollution concerns. However, in a bid to showcase the host city, organizers implemented a plan to clean up the river to accommodate the world’s best athletes during Paris 2024.

Despite these efforts, the water quality issues seem to persist. Tyler Mislawchuk’s ordeal on Wednesday, first brought the problem into the spotlight. The subsequent illnesses of Briffod and Michel have only compounded the matter, raising questions about the effectiveness of the cleanup efforts and the safety protocols in place.