Food poisoning scare strikes World Athletics Championships

Botswana’s Isaac Makwala was even forced to withdrew from the 200m, an event in which he was one of the favourites, after being violently ill minutes before the heats started earlier this morning.

The world body IAAF has confirmed that a number of athletes from one central London hotel where the Canadian team is staying have reported being sick with gastroenteritis. The outbreak of sickness, which comes on day four of a 10-day world championships, is a significant setback to the athletes who have spent the year preparing for their big competition.

“There have been a number of cases of gastroenteritis reported by team members residing within one of the official team hotels for the World Championships,” the IAAF said in a statement.

“Those affected have been supported by both team and London organising committee medical staff, in addition we have been working with Public Health England to ensure the situation is managed and contained.”

An Australian team official said that no Australian athletes had been affected.

Makwala, who is the main rival to South African world record holder Wayde Van Niekerk in the 400m final on Tuesday said on social media: “According to IAAF medics I am apparently suffering from food poisoning which has affected several other athletes. Let’s hope they will allow me to run my final.”

The IAAF medical staff issued Makwala with a medical exemption after insisting he withdraw from the 200m.

Thomas Barr, an Irish 400m hurdler was forced to pull out of his semi-finals this morning with illness.

“Badnews guys !! Reason for not starting 200m earlier this evening…According to IAAF medics I am apparently suffering from food poisoning which has affected several other athletes in the athletes’ hotel.Lets hope they will allow me to run my final tomorow” Makwala  wrote on his facebook