Belgium has decided to sit out the 2024 Paris Olympics mixed relay triathlon after Claire Michel caught a rather unwelcome souvenir—E. coli—during her previous race. Talk about a bad trip!
Claire, who had a rough time swimming in the Seine, finished a glamorous 38th place in the women’s triathlon. Sadly, she soon discovered that the Seine isn’t exactly a five-star aquatic experience. In fact, the water quality was so suspect it made the Olympics’ officials contemplate whether they had accidentally signed up for an extreme sport—swimming in soup!
The mixed relay triathlon, meant to be a showcase of athletic prowess, has been postponed twice due to the river’s dubious cleanliness. It seems the Seine’s idea of “refreshing” is a little too literal. The Belgian Olympic Committee (COIB) decided to withdraw from the race, citing “health concerns” and “an unexpected adventure into the world of microbial tourism.” They’re hoping future events will be less of a “disease buffet.”
Paris had spent a staggering £1.2 billion to transform the Seine from a no-go zone into a swimmer’s playground. However, after a heavy downpour turned the river into what can only be described as a giant, murky cocktail of disappointment, even Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s brave dip didn’t convince everyone that the Seine was now a spa resort.
So, as Belgium bows out and the Seine remains a watery wildcard, let’s just say this year’s triathlon has given “trying to swim in a river” a whole new meaning!
