Australia's Triathletes Battle E.coli Concerns in Seine River

Australia's triathletes have been taking medicines to combat E.coli for a month due to pollution concerns in the Seine. Team members participated in mixed relay and individual events, with the men's event postponed. Experts provided preventive measures, also applied to marathon swimmers. Belgium's Claire Michel fell ill after participating.

Australia's triathletes have been taking medicines to combat E.coli for a month, the team doctor said on Monday, following concerns over pollution levels in the Seine River.

The team, including Luke Willian, Matthew Hauser, Natalie van Coevorden, and Sophie Linn, finished 12th in the mixed relay event, which featured a swim segment in the Seine. Last week, the men's triathlon event was postponed due to high pollution levels.

"We started by administering a medication that's good against E.coli, which is the main bacteria in this water, a month ago," said team doctor Carolyn Broderick. "We've also been using prophylactic antibiotics and targeted washes post-race to prevent infections."

Four Australians are scheduled for the open water swimming events: Nick Sloman, Kyle Lee, Moesha Johnson, and Chelsea Gubecka. Belgium withdrew from a team event after Claire Michel fell ill post-race. The Belgian Olympic Committee did not provide further details. Marathon swimming events will be held on Thursday and Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)