Olympic Open Water Swimmers Brave the Seine Amid Pollution Concerns
In the heart of Paris, Olympic open water swimmers took to the historically polluted Seine River for a crucial training session on Wednesday morning, shaking off concerns over water safety after a previous test run was canceled due to elevated faecal bacteria levels. With the picturesque backdrop of renowned landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the gold-domed Invalides, the swimmers were eager to familiarize themselves with the unique challenges the course presents.
The training session, held in cool, cloudy weather, marked the only opportunity for swimmers to practice in the river before the women's 10 km marathon event, scheduled for Thursday. Despite the apprehensions that followed the decision to cancel the earlier testing due to poor water quality, a number of competitors appeared keen to make the most of the session.
Among them was Austria's Felix Auböck, who voiced his concerns while expressing hope that safety measures are in place. "If anyone says they’re not concerned at all, they’re probably lying," Auböck stated. "Of course you’re concerned because no one wants to get ill or sick. But we trust the organization to let us in when it’s safe enough to do so."
The prevailing worry about pollution was compounded by fluctuating bacteria levels, a situation managed by World Aquatics, which previously postponed a test swim. However, officials have expressed confidence that the race conditions will be satisfactory, thanks in part to a promising weather forecast that predicts sunny skies and minimal rain.
Training in the river is an unusual experience for many open water swimmers, primarily accustomed to the controlled environments of swimming pools. For many, this was their only chance to adapt to the river's strong current, which has been clocked at 2-3 mph (approximately 3-4.8 km/h). This current will present an additional challenge during the six laps of the marathon swim.
To ensure a successful Olympic event, alternative plans are already in place that would shift the races to the VairessurMarne Nautical Stadium if necessary, a testament to the organizers' commitment to athlete safety.
Triathlon events have proceeded in the Seine with varying conditions, and preliminary reports indicate that during those swims, bacteria levels fell within safe margins. However, concerns remain, especially given that several triathletes reported illnesses following their performances, though it remains unclear if this was directly linked to the water.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who famously swam in the Seine earlier this summer to demonstrate its safety, remains optimistic. "There’s been a clear improvement in the weather these past few days," she remarked. "I’m really proud and happy and to all those who want to continue saying it’s impossible to depollute a river, I tell them yes, it’s possible; we did it."
Historically, swimming in the Seine has been prohibited since 1923 due to pollution. A significant transformation was initiated with a €14 billion investment in infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of a giant basin to manage excess rainwater and prevent wastewater discharge into the river. Upgraded treatment facilities and renovated sewer systems have also contributed to the enhanced water quality now allowing for swimming competitions.
As the countdown to the women's marathon swim approaches, swimmers continue to grapple with the dual challenges of adapting to the landscape and maintaining focus under environmental scrutiny. While the Seine's storied waters invite both excitement and trepidation, the athletes are determined to embrace the unique opportunity their sport presents amidst the historical and cultural significance of the host city.
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