Members of the USA Swimming team are currently recovering from a bout of acute gastroenteritis at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. A spokesperson confirmed the news on Sunday, sharing that the team’s medical staff is addressing the health issues and advising on recovery steps.
Acute gastroenteritis, often called a stomach bug, can cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s often caused by viruses like norovirus or bacteria such as E. coli. Each year, norovirus leads to around 685 million cases of gastroenteritis globally, as reported by the CDC. The illness can result from contaminated food or water, particularly common among travelers.
While some swimmers missed events due to the illness, others like Olympic gold medalist Torri Huske chose to prioritize certain races. She didn’t compete in the women’s 100m butterfly heat but helped her team secure a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay, showcasing their resilience. “It means a lot,” said swim star Simone Manuel about the medal. “The team has had to be adaptable and resilient.”
Additionally, USA swimmers Patrick Sammon and Chris Guiliano earned a bronze in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, adding to the team’s accomplishments despite health challenges. Meanwhile, Katie Ledecky also clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 400m freestyle race.
The championships are set to continue through August 3, with the team focused on delivering their best performances moving forward. This determination resonates with ongoing trends in sports, as athletes increasingly show adaptability and strength when facing adversity, whether physical or health-related.
For a deeper understanding of acute gastroenteritis and how to manage its symptoms, you can find more information from the National Institutes of Health.