Paris, France - Belgium has withdrawn from the mixed relay triathlon race on Monday and Switzerland has had to mix up its roster after athletes from both countries fell ill following the initial triathlon races last week. Belgium announced it was dropping out of the race after one of its triathletes, Claire Michel, has fallen ill, its National Olympic Committee said in a statement. The statement did not specify Michel's illness, which was reported days after she swam in the River Seine during the women's triathlon on Wednesday.
"The BOIC and Belgian Triathlon must unfortunately announce that the 'Belgian Hammers' will not be starting the mixed relay at the Paris Olympic Games tomorrow. The decision, like this communication, was taken in consultation with the athletes and their entourage," the statement read. Full coverage of the Paris Olympics on TSN.
ca "Claire Michel, a member of the relay, is unfortunately ill and must withdraw from the competition." Michel finished 38th in the women's triathlon competition on Wednesday. The statement also had pointed words that appeared to be aimed at organizers: "The COIB and Belgian Triathlon hope that lessons will be learned for future triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games such as guaranteeing training days, competition days and the competition format, which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for the athletes and support personnel.
" The Swiss team, meanwhile, had to replace Adrien Briffod, who had.