Paris Olympics Hit by Fresh Controversy as Irish Olympian Hospitalised After Seine Swim

Paris: Irish swimming sensation Daniel Wiffen, a double Olympic medalist, was rushed to a Paris hospital on Monday due to a severe stomach bug. The incident comes just two days after he competed in the marathon swimming event held on the River Seine.

Wiffen, who had been selected to carry the Irish flag at the closing ceremony, was unable to fulfill the honour due to his illness. “I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night,” he shared on X. “Yesterday I rushed to hospital as I was very unwell with a bug.”

While Wiffen finished 18th in the 10-kilometer marathon swim, concerns have arisen about the water quality of the Seine. Several athletes, including Belgian triathlete Claire Michel, reported falling ill after participating in triathlon events held in the river.

Despite a significant investment of 1.4 billion euros to improve Paris’s sewage and water treatment system, the Seine has faced continued pollution issues. Heavy rains and storms have led to untreated wastewater being discharged into the river, resulting in multiple failed water quality tests.

While Paris 2024 organisers maintain that bacteria levels were within acceptable limits during the Olympic events, the incidents have raised questions about the safety of swimming in the Seine. The city plans to open public bathing spots in the river next year as part of the Olympics’ legacy.