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Racing in the Seine during the Olympic Games, teams pull swimmers: They are swimming in dumps

Politiko 2024-08-06 12:22:18

Racing in the Seine during the Olympic Games, teams pull swimmers: They are

The polluted waters of the Seine in Paris continue to create chaos at the Olympic Games. The latest move comes from Belgium, which decided to withdraw the team in protest from the mixed triathlon relay, which took place yesterday.

The decision was made because the athlete Claire Michel, who participated a few days ago in the individual competitions, but showed health problems after diving in the river, fell ill.

Michel competed in the women's triathlon last Wednesday, placing 38th. But the 35-year-old Belgian athlete is now ill and has been forced to withdraw from the mixed relay.

 Belgian media reports that Michel has suffered an "Escherichia coli" infection. This is the bacteria that continues to invade the waters of the Seine, especially after the recent rains. During the last days there were even rumors about the athlete being hospitalized, but this was denied by the Belgian Olympic Committee. Belgium's withdrawal from the mixed race was also accompanied by a strong message:

"We hope that the lesson will be learned in the future triathlon competitions in the Olympics. It's a circus, and the athletes are puppets in it," said Belgian triathlete Marten Van Riel.

On the other hand, the Parisian organizers of the Games excused themselves: "It is the International Olympic Committee that decides whether it is possible to compete in the Seine or not."

Meanwhile, two Swiss athletes, Adrien Brifford and Simon Westermann, who competed last week, have also developed gastroenteritis problems due to infection with "Escherichia coli".

 But unlike Belgium, Switzerland did not withdraw the team. There have been no shortage of harsh comments from politicians on this issue.

The Italian Minister of Transport, Mateo Salvini, was not spared in the accusations:

"To end up in the hospital because you swim in a dump is a lack of respect for the athletes, who have sacrificed for months for this race," said Salvini.

However, despite the dubious quality of the water, the races in the Seine will continue. On August 8, the 10 km discipline for women will take place, while on August 9, the 10 km race for men will take place.

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