Rio 2016 - Official Statement on sailor Erik Heil
by Rio 2016 Organising Committee on 29 Aug 2015
Bronze medalists, Erik Heil and Thomas Plossel (GER) sailing in the 2015 Pre-Olympic Test regatta, Rio de Janeiro Sailing Energy/ISAF
Rio 2016 - We were extremely concerned when we learned of the hospital admission of athlete Erik Heil. We immediately contacted the German Sailing Association (DSV) for information. Heil is one of 326 sailors who took part in the second sailing test event held in the Guanabara Bay between 15th and 22nd August, in which he won the 49er class bronze medal.
The DSV told us that the Heil had received medical attention at a hospital in Berlin specialized in tropical diseases and that he had been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. The results of the athlete’s exams have not however been publicised yet.
The Rio 2016 Committee medical team have informed us that Heil did not seek any medical help or advise during at the competition venue.
Based on information supplied by the DSV and currently available, it is premature to declare whether the infection suffered by the German sailor is the result of contact with the water in Guanabara Bay. Having said that, it is fundamental that focus remains on the prompt recovery of Heil.
Rio 2016 is in contact with the DSV and reiterates that it is our priority to assure the health and well-being of all athletes. We are also following, together with the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the work developed by the Rio de Janeiro State Government, so that measures already announced to improve the quality of the water in Guanabara Bay are completed on time, assuring good conditions for the competition lanes during the Rio 2016 Games.
Our greatest commitment is that athletes are able to compete in Rio in complete safety.
ISAF have also issued a statement on the hospitalization of Pre-Olympic medalist. Read more here.
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