US swimmers battling outbreak of ‘acute gastroenteritis’ at world championships
The GuardianSunday, July 27, 2025 at 7:48:19 AM
Several U.S. swimmers at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore have come down with acute gastroenteritis, likely picked up during their pre-competition training camp in Thailand. While the illness has sidelined some athletes, star swimmer Katie Ledecky remains unaffected and is dominating her events, like the 400m freestyle. Team officials are scrambling to manage the outbreak as it threatens performance at a critical time.
Editor’s Note: When elite athletes get sick right before a major competition, it’s not just a personal setback—it can derail years of training and team strategy. This outbreak highlights the hidden risks of international travel and training camps, where unfamiliar environments (and possibly food or water) can turn into unexpected hurdles. For fans, it’s a reminder that even the fittest competitors are vulnerable to ordinary illnesses, and for organizers, it raises questions about health protocols at global events.
— Curated via WP Now’s
