Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen laments not being part of the Closing Ceremony for the 2024 Paris Games after getting hospitalized due to an infection. He later revealed he was “unwell with a bug” infection after his swim in the River Seine.
Last week the Olympian was part of the men’s 10km race which included a swim in the polluted Seine River. The incident took place two days after the marathon event, as said by the swimmer on Monday.
Daniel Wiffen took part in the marathon on Friday, finishing the race in the 18th spot within 1 hour and 18 minutes. Following his hospitalization, he took to X, noting,
...I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night. Yesterday I rushed to the hospital as I was very unwell with a bug that I am being treated for, and am feeling better now.Daniel Wiffen on X.
Thanks everyone who reached out, I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night.
Yesterday I rushed to hospital as I was very unwell with a bug that I am being treated for, and am feeling better now. I hope everyone enjoys the evening…
— Daniel Wiffen (@WiffenDaniel) August 12, 2024Wiffen later described his diving experience as,
It was probably one of the worst things I’ve ever done…I’m retiring from open water.Daniel Wiffen as per Jenna Lemoncelli of NY Post.
Although he has not linked his illness with swimming in the Seine River, many are doubting it was because of its polluted water. It was noted by the Associated Press that the amount of E Coil in the Seine was higher than the suggested amount.
Olympians fall ill after swimming in River Seine during Paris Olympics
Apart from Daniel Wiffen, three other athletes were said to have fallen ill after their race in River Seine. Although none of them have directly said anything related to the marathon, many expected it was due to the water.
One of the triathletes, Belgian triathlete Claire Michel needed immediate medical care after three days of vomiting, and diarrhoea due to a virus. Triathlete Jolien Vermeylen also noted how “dirty” the water was, and she never wishes to speak about what she saw underneath to anyone.
They say every child has a dream, to pursue the dream is in every child hand’s to make it a reality.
I had the dream of becoming an Olympic Champion. I put the work in everyday and I’m so happy to say that I have accomplished my childhood dream.
However behind every child you… pic.twitter.com/1gTHnPwfMJ
Three out of a hundred reported illness on July 31 after diving into the Seine from both the men’s and women’s triathlon. Wiffen even vowed to “never do it again” after the race in the Seine.
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