Rio Olympics’ filthy water claims its first victim as star Belgian sailor contracts severe infection while racing on Guanabara Bay
Athlete faces missing out on medal rounds after suffering from dysentery and energy loss
AN Olympic sailor has contracted a serious infection after competing in Rio's filthy Guanabara Bay.
Belgian Evi Van Acker faces missing out on the medal rounds in the Laser Radial class competition after picking up an intestinal illness.
The disease has led to dysentery and severe loss of energy which has impacted her preparation, her coach has said.
The 30-year-old elite sailor, who picked up a bronze at London 2012, began developing symptoms after competing on Wednesday.
Coach Wil Van Bladel thinks she was infected back in July during pre-competition training.
He said it could rule her out of the remainder of the Rio games.
"Evi caught a bacteria in early July that causes dysentery," Van Bladel told told Belgian broadcaster VRT.
"Doctors say this can seriously disrupt energy levels for three months.
"It became clear yesterday that she lacked energy during tough conditions.
"The likelihood that she caught it here during contact with the water is very big."
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There has been widespread criticism of Rio organisers' efforts to clean up the bay before the Olympics.
The canals and waters surrounding Guanabara are still being pumped with untreated sewage from the city.
Photographs emerged with just days to go before the game began last Friday showing parts of the bay covered in rubbish.
A dead body recovered from the water in the final clean-up effort.
Even the Brazilians have voiced concerns over the water quality in the bay.
Sailor Lars Grael said yesterday that low tides and rain could bring debris onto the race course ahead of competition today.
The two-time Olympic bronze medallist said: "I'm worried about tomorrow and boats getting caught on plastic bags or banging into garbage".
Games authorities have recommended sailors keep their head above water at all times.
German sailor Erik Heil, who was treated for infections he said were caused by polluted water during a Rio test regatta a year ago, said Guanabara was the "worst water we've sailed in".
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