Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen had to be urgently hospitalized due to stomach problems. Wiffen is one of the athletes who competed in open water swimming in Seinejoki on Friday.
Daniel Wiffen did not himself suggest that his illness was caused by the polluted water of the Seine River.
– Yesterday I rushed to the hospital because I was feeling really bad. I am being treated now and I am already feeling better, Wiffen wrote on the messaging service X on Monday.
Wiffen, who became the first Irish man to win Olympic gold in the 800-meter freestyle, had been chosen to carry the Irish flag in the finals, but he was unable to participate in Sunday’s ceremonies due to illness. Wiffen also won Olympic bronze in the 1,500-meter freestyle.
He finished 18th in the ten kilometer open water swim.
– Thanks to everyone who has been in touch. I am really disappointed that I lost the opportunity to carry the flag, Wiffen said.
Water quality was constantly tested during the Olympics. The men’s triathlon had to be moved forward a day from the original schedule.
However, all the planned competitions were allowed to swim in the Seine River when the authorities assured that the bacteria levels in the water were sufficiently low.
At least three of the athletes who competed in the triathlon announced that they got sick after swimming in the river.