Paris Olympic organizers face challenges with open water events in River Seine

Paris Olympic organizers are facing a daunting challenge as they plan to hold the swimming sections of the triathlons and the marathon swimming events in the iconic River Seine. Despite concerns over water quality, the French capital is determined to showcase its stunning river as a venue for these prestigious events.

The decision comes after a series of controversies surrounding water pollution in open water sports like rowing, triathlon, sailing, surfing, and marathon swimming. The Seine has been plagued by complaints of sewage levels, leading to the cancellation of some test events.

To address these issues, Paris is investing €1.4 billion to clean up the river and prevent sewage from entering the water. Special pumps and catch basins are being installed to improve water quality and reduce the risk of contamination.

However, experts warn that even with these measures, swimming in the Seine may still pose health risks, especially after heavy rainfall. Dr. Katrina Charles from Oxford University advises against swimming in inland waters after rain due to the potential for sewer overflows and increased contamination from animal feces.

In the event of heavy rainfall during the Olympics, the swimming and triathlon events may have to be postponed or canceled. Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet mentioned the possibility of reverting to a duathlon if swimming becomes unsafe.

The issue of water pollution is not unique to Paris, as other cities like London also face challenges with E.coli contamination in their rivers. Despite efforts to improve water quality, the risk of pathogens in river water remains a concern for athletes and organizers.

As Paris races to bolster security and ensure the safety of athletes competing in open water events, the world will be watching to see if the iconic River Seine can overcome its pollution problems and host successful Olympic competitions.