Belgium blame water in Guanabara Bay for Evi Van Acker illness
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 11/08/16 11:33pm
The polluted Olympic waters of Guanabara Bay appear to have claimed its first victim after Laser Radial medal hope Evi Van Acker became unwell.
Four years on from winning bronze, the 30-year-old from Belgium was considered among the favourites to top the podium in Rio de Janeiro.
However, she has become the first sailor to become sick racing on the waters that have been under so much scrutiny leading into the Games.
Van Acker sits 10th overall after six Laser Radial races but the Belgium Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) says recovery from a "severe gastro-intestinal infection" has hampered her performance.
Her coach Wil van Bladel believes she contracted the infection training in Rio last month, saying: "The likelihood she caught it here during contact with the water is very big.
"Evi caught a bacteria in early July that causes dysentery. Doctors say this can seriously disrupt energy levels for three months. It became clear yesterday that she lacked energy during tough conditions. She could not use full force for a top condition."
But World Sailing spokesperson Darryl Seibel believes it is an isolated incident among the athletes, underlining the governing body's dedication to making the conditions safe for racing.
"She's the only one of the 380 athletes who are here competing who has indicated they're not feeling well," he said.
"We have a team of medical and technical experts and they review the latest testing data that we get from the government each morning.
"The standard they're using is the World Health Organisation standard for primary contact and so far we've been able to meet a field of play that meets that standard every day during the Games and the lead up to the Games.
"But it's something we of course take very seriously and that's why our medical and technical team look at that every morning."
