The Belgians also expressed sharp criticism towards the organizers of the Olympics.
Belgium pulled out of Monday's mixed relay triathlon, while Switzerland was forced to reshuffle its roster after
athletes from both countries fell ill after the first triathlon competitions, CNN learned.
In their statement, the Belgians did not elaborate on the illness of their triathlete Claire Michel, which was reported days after the athlete swam in the Seine during the women's triathlon competition on Wednesday.
We made the decision in consultation with the athletes and their entourage," the communique said.
At the same time, the Belgians expressed sharp criticism towards the organizers. As they wrote, "the COIB and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons have been learned for future Olympic triathlon events, such as guaranteeing training days, race days and competition format, which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for athletes and for accompanying staff'.
CNN recalled that triathlon events in Paris continued after the men's race was postponed a day earlier due to concerns about water quality in the Seine.
More rain fell in Paris overnight before the race, but organizers decided the water quality was good enough to hold both the women's and men's races.
The paper also quoted the women's silver medalist Julie Derron from Switzerland, who said that the athletes believed that the competition was safe based on the words of the authorities.
It should be remembered that bathing in the Seine has been prohibited for a century.
But organizers have drawn up a plan to clean up the river so the world's top athletes can use safety gear during the 2024 Paris Games.
Some $1.5 billion has been spent trying to clean up the river ahead of the Games, and Paris officials have put on a big show to prove the river is fit to host the games.
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, even took a dip in the river to prove that athletes can do it safely.
Cover image: The water of the Sejna is not suitable for swimming
Source: Pixabay
