A picturesque scene in Paris, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and gold-domed Invalides, sets the backdrop for an Olympic open water course like no other. However, concerns about the pollution and strong current of the Seine River lingered as endurance swimmers prepared for the upcoming races.
Despite worries about safety, a group of swimmers ventured into the waterway on a cloudy morning for a training session after daily testing confirmed acceptable levels of bacteria the previous day. Olympic champions like Sharon van Rouwendaal and newcomers like Daniel Wiffen took the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the 1.67-kilometer course through Paris.
The women’s 10k marathon race is scheduled for Thursday, followed by the men’s race on Friday. American swimmers, cautious of the water quality, used paddle boards during the training session to minimize the risk of ingesting potentially harmful water.
There were mixed feelings among athletes about the safety of swimming in the Seine, a historic river amid a beautiful city. Some expressed concerns about potential health risks, while others admired the unique and scenic location for the competition.
World Aquatics had previously canceled a test run due to fluctuating bacteria levels, but officials reassured that necessary precautions had been taken to ensure the races proceed smoothly. The nature of open water swimming always raises concerns about water quality, with athletes typically training in controlled pool environments.
Some athletes criticized the decision to proceed with the event in the Seine despite health concerns. This is not the first time questions have been raised about water safety at Olympic open water venues, with previous worries at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach in 2016.
The Seine offers a distinct setting for Olympic open water, being the first time such an event is held in a river. Strong currents added a challenge to the training session, with swimmers struggling against the flow at times.
Athletes were relieved to have a backup plan in place if the Seine was deemed unsafe for the races, with a potential relocation to Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. Paris has made significant efforts to clean up the river, investing in infrastructure improvements to mitigate pollution risks.
Despite previous incidents of illness among triathletes competing in the river, organizers remain confident in the water quality for the open water events. The challenges posed by swimming in the Seine add a unique dimension to the Olympic experience in an iconic setting.
