As a result, Belgium was forced to withdraw its entire team from the event.
In a statement, the country said it hopes ‘that lessons will be learned for future triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games’.
“We are thinking here of the guarantee of training days, competition days and the competition format, which must be clarified in advance and ensure that there is no uncertainty for the athletes, entourage and supporters,” they added.
Meanwhile, Swiss triathlete Adrien Briffod has been struggling with a stomach infection and consequently also had to withdraw from the team relay.
Neither country have confirmed whether the illness are linked to the river, however, reports in Belgium have suggested Michel was infected with E. coli – a bacteria which can make you ill with diarrhea, vomiting and a fever.