- Triathlon mixed is set to go up on Monday.
Triathletes and Triathletes Can Compete in Mixed Relay as Planned on Monday
The triathletes can compete in the mixed relay as planned on Monday. After the Seine's water quality results were insufficient in the past few days, the latest tests allow the competition to proceed. The organizers announced this on the eve of the race, according to the Associated Press news agency.
The water quality of the Seine has reportedly improved in the past few hours and is now within acceptable limits set by the world governing body.
Belgian Athlete Unable to Participate Due to Illness
Belgian athlete Claire Michel will not be participating due to illness. The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (COIB) and the Belgian Triathlon Association announced that Michel, a member of the relay team, has fallen ill and had to withdraw from the competition.
Belgian media reports suggest that the 35-year-old athlete has been infected with a bacterium and has been hospitalized. Michel competed in the women's individual event on Wednesday and finished in 38th place. The swimming competition took place in the Seine, whose water quality has been heavily criticized. The men's triathlon was only able to take place with a one-day delay.
Two swimming training sessions in the Seine were canceled over the weekend due to water quality issues, including high concentrations of coliform bacteria. If the concentration is too high, swimming is not allowed for health reasons, according to the rules of the world governing body.
Rain Causes Issues
The threshold was reportedly exceeded several times in the past few days. Tests on the previous Wednesday showed that women and men could compete in their respective events. Now, they are fortunate again.
Heavy rain showers have been falling over the French capital recently. Rain generally makes a river dirtier. The delays have led to criticism of the planning and organization of the event in the heart of Paris.
In addition to the triathletes, open water swimmers are also scheduled to compete on the Seine section. However, the rowing course is also available as an alternative venue for them.
Men and boys who were looking forward to watching the triathlon competition on the Seine might be disappointed, as the illness of Belgian athlete Claire Michel has resulted in changes to the relay team. Boys especially might be interested in knowing that if the water quality in the Seine had not improved, the triathlon and swimming events would not have been possible at all.
