PARIS: On a rain-drenched Wednesday morning, the women's Olympic triathlon events commenced with athletes taking the plunge into the Seine River after days of uncertainty regarding water quality. The triathletes began their swim near the iconic Pont Alexandre III bridge, just as the persistent drizzle began to ease. Some competitors even dipped their swim goggles in the Seine before entering the water, with the Eiffel Tower providing a picturesque backdrop.
The decision to proceed with the swim marks a significant victory for Paris, Olympic organizers, and the athletes. In preparation for the Games, an extensive 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) investment was made to clean the historically polluted Seine. Officials had been adamant that the river would be safe for the swimming events, despite earlier water quality concerns.
Early Wednesday, organizers confirmed that recent water tests met quality standards. However, the morning rain raised concerns that these results might be impacted by altered conditions. "Heavy rainfall exacerbates the situation by overwhelming the sewage system and causing street runoff to enter the Seine," explained Dr. Nicole Iovine, an infectious disease specialist. "Despite significant improvements, the river's condition still depends on weather conditions."
As the race unfolded, athletes swam close to the barges lining the riverbanks, with spectators cheering from both the stands and bridges. Bermuda's reigning Olympic champion Flora Duffy emerged first, completing the 1.5-kilometer swim in approximately 22 minutes.
After finishing their swim, the athletes ascended stairs to transition to the cycling portion of the triathlon, which took them through the rain-slicked streets of Paris, including the famous Champs-Elysees. The bike race saw several falls and mishaps early on.
The men’s race, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to Wednesday due to elevated bacteria levels, which also led to the cancellation of test events earlier in the week. Rainfall from the opening ceremony on Friday and the following days contributed to the increased runoff and subsequent water quality issues.
Organizers had been confident that the swim events would proceed despite cancellations and delays. However, water quality data, including levels of E. coli, was not publicly shared until recently. High E. coli levels, indicative of potential sewage contamination, can pose health risks, including gastrointestinal issues and infections.
Daily water tests measure E. coli levels, with World Triathlon guidelines and a 2006 EU directive classifying water quality from “excellent” to “sufficient.” Levels exceeding 900 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters are deemed unsafe. Paris 2024 sports director Aurélie Merle noted that test results showed levels very close to the acceptable threshold, with one test site falling below the threshold and others varying from 980 to 1,553.
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