Belgium's Olympic committee made an announcement on Sunday revealing their decision to withdraw their team from the mixed relay triathlon event at the Paris Olympics. This decision came after one of their competitors, Claire Michel, fell ill following her participation in the women's triathlon held on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee, it was confirmed that Claire Michel "is unfortunately ill and will have to withdraw from the competition." The committee did not provide specific details regarding the nature of Michel's illness, but concerns about the water quality of the Seine River have recently arisen.

Paris 2024 organizers have yet to release a statement regarding Michel's condition. However, they did announce that the mixed relay triathlon will proceed as scheduled on Monday at 8 a.m., with the swim portion taking place in the Seine. This decision was made following water tests conducted by representatives from World Triathlon, the International Olympic Committee, Paris Games organizers, and regional and weather authorities. The results indicated an improvement in water quality at the triathlon site, deemed acceptable according to World Triathlon's standards.

Water quality tests for fecal bacteria, including E. coli, are conducted daily in the Seine River. Based on World Triathlon's guidelines, E. coli levels up to 1,000 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters are considered "good" and allow competitions to proceed. Final decisions on race viability take into account water quality analysis, sanitary inspection, and weather forecasts.

Leading up to the individual triathlon events, water quality concerns led to the cancellation of swimming portions in two test runs aimed at familiarizing athletes with the course. The men's race was also delayed by a day. Additionally, scheduled test swims in the Seine before the triathlon mixed relay on Saturday and Sunday were canceled due to high bacteria levels in the water.

The Belgian committee expressed their hope that lessons would be learned from this incident to ensure future triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games maintain clear guidelines and provide certainty for athletes, support staff, and spectators.

It is worth noting that Switzerland's Adrien Briffod and his replacement, Simon Westermann, both experienced gastrointestinal infections, but it remains uncertain whether these illnesses were directly linked to their swims in the Seine. Norwegian triathlete Vetle Bergsvik Thorn also fell ill after competing in the men's triathlon, citing a possible case of food poisoning.

Marathon swimming events are scheduled to take place in the Seine on Thursday and Friday. Despite these health concerns, five out of the eight swimmers who participated in the men's 1,500-meter freestyle on Sunday night are listed to compete in the 10-kilometer marathon swim.

As the Paris Olympics continue, organizers and athletes are closely monitoring water quality to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.