Belgium has withdrawn from the Olympic mixed relay triathlon at Paris 2024 after one of their athletes fell ill.

Claire Michel, who competed in the women's triathlon and finished 38th, is reported to have contracted E coli, although this has not been verified.

The water quality of the Seine had been a major concern leading up to the event. Tests were conducted daily on the water quality in the Seine before the start of the Olympic triathlon event. Swimming in the river had been banned for over 100 years due to pollution and the risk of disease, but efforts were made to make it swimmable for the Games. However, heavy rain in Paris during the Olympics caused a decline in water quality.

The men's triathlon was delayed by a day due to the poor water quality, and the practice swim for the mixed relay was also postponed. However, the mixed relay race is still scheduled to take place on Monday evening (NZ time).

The Swiss team had previously announced that their athlete, Adrien Briffod, would not compete in the mixed relay due to a stomach infection.

The Belgian Olympic Committee did not disclose the specific illness Michel was suffering from.