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Stomach Bug Hits Bal At A Bad Moment

Jul 8, 2009  - Craig Lord

Randall Bal, world record holder in the 50m backstroke and a contender to make the 100m for the US in the 100m backstroke at world championships until this morning, has been forced to withdraw from the final at trials in Indianapolis after being struck down with a stomach bug.

In sadness, he tells SwimNews: "As of this morning, I woke up with a bad stomach that persisted all the way behind the blocks and I found myself running to the bathroom after and vomiting in the warm-down pool. This has never happened to me before at this level of competition."

He has taken on a high level of electrolyte drink and anti-acids but in the absence of a positive response to that so far, Bal has withdrawn from the 100m final at trials. If he does not soon show signs of recovery, he will head to hospital. "Because of how weak I feel and bad my stomach is, I had no choice but to opt out of swimming in Finals," he adds.

Bal is "committed to succeeding any times that are posted at the World Championships in the 50 and 100 backstroke promptly." He adds: "I hope that no one is let down by the fact that I am unable to compete in the finals. I look forward to staying closely in touch and representing the sport at my highest capabilities."

SwimNews wishes Bal a speedy recovery. Nothing worse that arriving at the big moment only to find that health lets you down.

Kate Ziegler is another who knows what that feels like. Reachforthewall.com at The Washington Post reports that the 1,500m world record holder has been suffering from flu-like symptoms since last week and has yet to travel to Indianapolis. She withdrew from the 400m yesterday and the 200m free today. "I will leave the option open to go - at least I might try - but I also feel I have to be at least somewhat realistic. Maybe it wasn't my time this time around," Ziegler told reachforthewall.com.

Four other swimmers at The FISH club have contracted the H1N1 flu [swine 'flu], so perhaps best if Ziegler sits out Indianapolis. Australian Matt Jaukovic was reported to have been pulled form the World University Games team in Belgrade after going down with swine flu.

The flu is not dangerous to the otherwise healthy (risk of serious health problems is much higher those with lung and heart conditions), concern about its spread focussing on the potential for the virus to mutate into something far more serious for the human population.