Claire Michel recently shared her experience on social media regarding her withdrawal from the mixed relay event at the Paris Olympics due to illness following her participation in the women's triathlon, which involved swimming in the Seine River.
In a post on Instagram, Michel clarified that she received excellent medical care from both the Team Belgium medical team and volunteer healthcare professionals at the Polyclinic in the Olympic village. She mentioned that she is gradually recovering and has returned home to Belgium.
After undergoing blood tests, it was determined that Michel had contracted a virus, not E. coli as initially reported. She described experiencing three days of vomiting and diarrhea, which necessitated significant medical attention at the clinic.
Michel was not the only athlete to fall ill after the triathlon, sparking concerns about the water quality in the Seine River. Fluctuating bacteria levels in the historically polluted river led to the cancellation of test swims before the triathlon events and a one-day delay in the men's triathlon.
Organizers had previously stated that water quality tests conducted on the day of the individual triathlon races indicated 'very good' levels of fecal bacteria E. coli and enterococci. Despite initial reports, Michel clarified that she had contracted a virus, not E. coli. Subsequently, several other athletes also experienced gastrointestinal issues.
