A trial run to allow Olympic athletes to practice the marathon swimming course in the Seine River is set to take place on Wednesday. This decision comes after concerns about water quality led to the cancellation of Tuesday’s swim test in the Paris waterway. The fluctuating levels of bacteria in the long-polluted river have been a consistent worry throughout the Games.
Officials from World Aquatics, Paris 2024, and other relevant authorities met on Wednesday morning and determined that the most recent water test results were acceptable. The women’s marathon swim competition is scheduled for Thursday, with the men’s race following on Friday.
The triathlon mixed relay event was successfully held on Monday in the Seine, with data released by World Triathlon on Tuesday indicating acceptable levels of fecal bacteria during the swims. Marathon swimming events will involve longer portions of the river, beginning and ending at the Pont Alexandre III. Participants will complete six laps on a 1.67-kilometer course, totaling 10 kilometers.
Event organizers expressed confidence that the marathon swimming events will proceed as planned, citing a favorable weather forecast and positive analysis. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who swam in the Seine last month to address water quality concerns, also voiced confidence in the event’s success. Despite swimming being largely banned in the Seine since 1923 due to toxicity, Paris invested heavily in infrastructure improvements to enable certain Olympic events in the river.
Water quality in the Seine is closely linked to weather conditions, as heavy rains can lead to elevated bacteria levels, while sunlight can help lower them. Although the Games have experienced predominantly hot and sunny weather, occasional heavy rains have raised concerns about water quality. Some athletes fell ill after the individual triathlon events, although it is uncertain if the water was the root cause.
While most strains of bacteria found in the water are harmless, some can cause infections, especially in individuals with compromised health. The city’s efforts to improve water quality and host swimming events in the river signify progress in depolluting the Seine.
This can be a successful milestone in showing that rivers can be cleaned up. Associated Press journalist Masha Macpherson contributed to this report.
