Illness and withdrawals ahead of mixed relay triathlon

Belgium have withdrawn from Monday's mixed relay triathlon at the Paris Olympics citing an illness for athlete Claire Michel amid reports it is a case of E. coli.

The health of athletes competing in the triathlon events at these Games has been a hot topic following concerns over the water quality of the River Seine.

On Sunday Olympic organisers cancelled the swim familiarisation session for Monday’s race as the water quality levels had dropped back below the required standards following heavy rain.

The men’s triathlon was postponed by one day earlier in the week to Wednesday and took place on the same day as the women’s event.

Michel finished 38th in the women’s race on Wednesday.

It is not yet certain that Monday’s event will take place as scheduled.

A joint statement from the Belgian Olympic Committee and Belgium Triathlon announced their withdrawal from the mixed relay.

It said: "The decision, like this communication, was taken in consultation with the athletes and the entourage.

"Claire Michel, a member of the relay, is unfortunately ill and has to withdraw from the competition."

Belgian media reported that Michel has contracted E. coli.

The team statement did not confirm that, but notably added: "The COIB and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for the next triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games.

"We are thinking here of the guarantee of training days, competition days and the format of the competitions which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for the athletes, the entourage and the supporters."

Meanwhile, Switzerland have made a change to their line-up after Adrien Briffod also fell ill, with Simon Westermann taking his place.

"I don’t really know if my condition is linked