Multiple Athletes Hospitalized After Swimming in Polluted Seine at Paris Olympics
Two triathletes have been hospitalized after swimming in the Seine during the Paris Olympics men’s, women’s, and mixed relay triathlon events. This week, the Paris Olympic Games are set to host the 10km open water swim in the Seine on Thursday and Friday.
Swiss Triathlete Hospitalized
Triathlete Adrien Briffords from Switzerland became ill following last week’s men’s triathlon. He swam in the Seine and finished 49th out of 50 athletes. He was not well enough to compete in this week’s mixed relay.
Belgian Triathlete’s E. coli Infection
Belgium also withdrew from Monday’s mixed relay after triathlete Claire Michel contracted an E. coli infection and was hospitalized. Michel was ill for four days following the women’s relay last week.
Belgian Olympic Committee’s Response
The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) said, “The BOIC and Belgian Triathlon hope lessons will be learned for future triathlon competitions. We are thinking of training days that can be guaranteed, competition days and formats that are clear in advance, and circumstances that do not lead to uncertainty among athletes, entourage, and fans.”
Athletes’ Concerns About Water Quality
Belgian team member Jolien Vermeylen, Michel’s teammate, had said last week, “I drank a lot of water, so we’ll know tomorrow if I’m sick or not….While swimming under the bridge, I felt and saw things that we shouldn’t think about too much.”
Seine’s History of Poor Water Quality
Paris has banned swimming in the Seine for over 100 years due to poor water quality.
Efforts to Improve Water Quality
The city has invested over $1 billion in a regeneration project, but the water quality still needed to meet safety standards, leading the Olympic Committee to cancel and postpone events.
Impact of Rainfall on Water Quality
The men’s relay was delayed by a day due to polluted water. Rainfall impacts the safety levels in the water.
Increased E. coli Levels
This Olympic Games has seen significant rainfall, which increases E. Coli levels in the river water.
Immediate Effects on Athletes
The impact on the athletes is swift, as many athletes vomited after completing the race.
Canceled Practice Sessions
The practices, such as the mixed relay practice, were canceled at some points. However, the events still took place.
Mixed Relay Team Medals
The mixed relay team medals went to Germany with Gold, the United States with silver, and Great Britain with gold.
Upcoming Open Water Swim Events
Later this week, the 10k open-water swim events will take place on Thursday and Friday in the Seine unless the Olympic Committee changes the plan due to water quality concerns.
Possible Relocation of Events
If the Olympic Committee moves the event, it will likely be to a location at Vaires-sur-Marne, where rowing and the regatta take place.
Juliet Potrykus
Juliet Potrykus is a distinguished writer with expertise in political news, public policy, and legislation, boasting a decade of Capitol Hill experience in Washington, D.C. She holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and American Politics from George Washington University. Now based in Washington state with her family, Juliet continues her advocacy on critical issues like immigration, education, and constitutional matters.