Two Olympic athletes struck down with infections after swimming in River Seine

Paris 2024 is facing more controversy after Portugal's Olympic Committee (COP) confirmed that two of its athletes have fallen ill due to poor water conditions in the Seine.

The iconic French river has been a source of major drama this summer , with several athletes falling ill after exposure to its waters. Athletes competing in the 10-kilometer marathon and triathlon events have reported bouts of vomiting post-competition.

Portugal's governing body has now confirmed that two of its stars, Vasco Vilaca and Melanie Santos, are suffering from gastrointestinal infections. Both athletes participated in Monday's mixed triathlon event, less than 24 hours before an open water training session on Tuesday was cancelled.

READ MORE: Poo in River Seine forces Olympic chiefs to cancel swimming plans

READ MORE: Olympics team forfeits triathlon final as teammate hospitalized after swimming in Seine River

This cancellation came after one of four samples taken from the Seine on Monday met the standards for bacteria found in human feces. Those competing in Friday's 10km men's marathon event will undoubtedly be cautious as they return to the Seine.

"On the days of the Triathlon competition, the World Triathlon Federation guaranteed that the water quality assessment complied with the defined regulations," read a statement, via the Daily Express. "Despite compliance with the required safety limits, the presence of some of the parameters assessed carries a risk of infection."

The COP added it was "attentive and providing the best health care for its athletes." However, this may not be enough to quell the frustrations of disgruntled athletes and fans.

The governing body has confirmed that both athletes are now stabilized and being monitored at the Olympic Village, but they are not cleared to compete due to their frightening experiences. It emerged that Vilaca, 24, experienced more intense symptoms compared to Santos, who is 29.

Updating his fans on Instagram, Vilaca posted: "For non-Portuguese speakers this means I am feeling sick with stomach flu symptoms. Getting the best help from my NOC though."

Despite these setbacks, the women's 10km marathon swimming event went on as scheduled last Thursday. Sharon van Rouwendaal from the Netherlands glided her way to gold, while Australia's Moesha Johnson nabbed the silver, leaving Italy's Ginevra Taddeucci trailing close behind for the bronze.

This summer, the troublesome waters of the River Seine have reignited haunting memories of the Rio Games back in 2016, where similar conditions caused many athletes to fall ill to fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea.