Rio 2016: Belgian sailor ill after training in polluted water

Sailors compete on Rio’s Guanabara Bay, infamous for pollution, Tuesday. /EPA-Yonhap

By Choi Ha-young

A Belgian sailor became ill after Wednesday’s racing on Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro.

Evi Van Acker's team believes she became infected while training in Rio’s polluted water.

The bacteria stay in the body for three months and can cause dysentery.

“Doctors say this can seriously disrupt energy levels for three months,” said Acker’s coach, Wil Van Bladel, according to the Associated Press on Aug. 11.

“It became clear yesterday that she lacked energy during tough conditions.”

Because of the illness, the bronze medalist at the 2012 London Games had poor results in Rio.

Rio’s poor environment has made headlines around the world.

Australia’s swimming team moved its training location because of “cloudy” and “soupy” water last week.

On Aug. 9, water in the diving pool suddenly turned green. Although organizers said there was no risk to health, one swimmer said she could not see her partner in the water.

The city’s water is teeming with dangerous viruses and drug-resistant super-bacteria, according to AP.

In early August, Mayor Eduardo Paes acknowledged the city’s failure to ensure water quality before the international event.

He dubbed the city’s failed cleanup a “lost chance” and a “shame.”