English and Australian swimming teams have raised concerns about the water quality of the swimming pools at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. There are fears of water contamination after up to 10% of English swimming team came down with stomach problems and two star Australian swimmers pulled out of competitions due to upset bellies.
The SPM Aquatics Center in Delhi is the main venue for swimming events where a number of heats have already been held. English officials have asked the Games organizing committee to test the water quality in both the main pool and the warmup pool. Around 20% of English swimmers, or up to 10 athletes, have developed stomach disorders after taking a dip in the pools.
Australia has six swimmers with Delhi bellies including Andrew Lauterstein, who opted out of the 50m butterfly on Wednesday. Hayden Stoeckel, who clinched a silver medal in the men's 50m backstroke on Tuesday, is also unable to train because of health issues.
The Commonwealth Games Federation president, Mike Fennell, has assured a complete investigation of the matter including water quality tests in the pools. He has, however, refused to comment on whether the swimming events would be canceled if the tests showed hygienic shortcomings.
"If there is something unsafe, you cannot swim in that water. It is a matter we have to deal with a great deal of urgency," he said.
Up to 10% of England's delegation had been affected from a "mild 24-hour stomach condition, according to team spokesman Caroline Searle.
