Triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk vomitted 10 times after finishing men’s triathlon; what could have led to this?

Canadian triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk made headlines at the 2024 Paris Olympics, not just for his impressive 9th place finish in the men’s triathlon, but for an unexpected post-race incident that occurred on July 31, just a day after the race had been postponed due to unsafe levels of faecal matter in the Seine following heavy rainfall.

After completing the gruelling swim in the Seine River, Mislawchuk was seen vomiting more than ten times, sparking concerns about the water quality of the iconic Parisian waterway. The athlete told CBC, “I happened to swallow a lot of water during the race.” He added, “Nothing to do with the quality. My stomach was just extremely full, and so that ended up being a limiting factor for me in the race. You put that with one hour, 40 minutes of going as hard as you can, stuff’s going to happen.”

He added that since he was from Canada, he hadn’t acclimated to the warm weather in France. 

Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, consultant gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “As a gastroenterologist, I’ve had the opportunity of working with athletes at various levels. A common thread I’ve observed is the critical role hydration plays in their performance. But it’s a delicate balance; overdoing it can be just as detrimental as under-hydration.” 

Excessive water intake and the digestive system during intense activity

According to Dr Srinivasan, during strenuous exercise, the body prioritises blood flow to your muscles and skin for cooling. This means that the blood flow to your gut decreases significantly. When you gulp down a large amount of water, especially during such intense activity, your digestive system is already in a compromised state.” 

This can lead to:

Delayed Gastric Emptying: The stomach’s ability to empty its contents into the small intestine slows down. This can cause a feeling of fullness, bloating, and even nausea, hindering your performance.

Intestinal Discomfort: The excess water can cause discomfort and cramping in the intestines.

Hyponatremia: In rare but serious cases, excessive water intake without adequate electrolyte replenishment can dilute your blood’s sodium levels. This condition, called hyponatremia, can cause confusion, seizures, and even be fatal.

While clean water is essential, he adds, contaminated water can introduce additional challenges. “It might contain pathogens or irritants that further stress your digestive system, leading to diarrhoea or vomiting, which further exacerbate dehydration.”

The excess water can cause discomfort and cramping in the intestines. (Source: Freepik)

How can a sudden change in climate, from cold to hot, impact an athlete’s performance?

Your body needs time to adapt to exercising in the heat, explains Dr Srinivasan. During this process, sweat rates increase, and electrolyte balance becomes even more critical. “If an athlete hasn’t acclimatised, they’re more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.”

In hot climates, he adds, you sweat more to cool down, leading to fluid and electrolyte loss. If not replenished adequately, dehydration can set in, impairing performance and increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

How can athletes balance the need to stay hydrated with the risk of over-consuming water?

Maintaining adequate hydration is vital for optimal performance, but overhydration can be dangerous. Dr Srinivasan recommends starting the event well-hydrated, but avoiding excessive water intake right before the competition.

“During the event, take small, frequent sips of water rather than chugging large amounts at once. Include electrolytes in your hydration strategy to replenish lost minerals and maintain fluid balance,” he adds. 

Pay attention to the colour of your urine. Pale yellow indicates good hydration, while dark yellow or amber suggests dehydration. Thirst is a reliable indicator of fluid needs. However, in extreme conditions, athletes might need to consume fluids even if they don’t feel thirsty.

Other steps can athletes take to mitigate the risks

Besides careful hydration management, Dr Srinivasan asserts, athletes can take other steps to protect their health:

*Acclimatisation: Gradual exposure to hot climates helps the body adapt and perform better in the heat.

*Heat Management Strategies: Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, seeking shade when possible, and using cooling towels can help regulate body temperature.

*Individualised Plans: Work with a sports dietitian or doctor to create a personalised hydration and nutrition plan.

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