The Seine River, notorious for its pollution, has become a hot topic during the Olympic Games. This historic river was the venue for the men’s, women’s, and mixed relay triathlon events and is also set to host the 10km open water swims. However, recent events have raised serious concerns about athlete safety.

Two athletes have been hospitalized after swimming in the Seine. Switzerland’s Adrien Briffod fell seriously ill after the men’s triathlon, where he finished 49th out of 50. His illness prevented him from competing in the mixed relay for the Swiss team. Belgium’s Claire Michel also faced severe health issues, being hospitalized with an E. coli infection after the women’s event. Her condition forced the Belgian team to withdraw from the mixed relay due to the inability to replace her.

The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee released a statement expressing their hopes for better future conditions. They emphasized the need for guaranteed training days, clear competition formats, and circumstances that ensure the safety of athletes, their teams, and fans. Michel’s teammate, Jolien Vermeylen, hinted at the troubling conditions, mentioning that she “felt and saw things that we shouldn’t think about too much.”

The pollution in the Seine has disrupted the Games significantly. The men’s relay event was delayed, but Team GB’s Alex Yee eventually won gold. The mixed relay practice swim was canceled, although the race proceeded as planned, with Team GB taking bronze behind Germany and the USA.

Swimming in the Seine has been banned since 1923 due to poor water quality and health risks. The heavy rains during the Olympics have exacerbated the pollution, increasing E. coli levels. These health risks led to the cancellation of the Olympic Marathon swim test this week.

Later, World Aquatics, the organization overseeing these events, announced the cancellation due to pollution concerns. Their water quality review on August 5th showed E. coli levels ranging from 326 to 517, which are considered “very good” to “good.” However, one of the four tests did not meet acceptable standards. Despite these issues, World Aquatics and the Paris Olympics remain hopeful that the men’s and women’s marathon swims will proceed as planned later this week.

This situation highlights the urgent need for addressing pollution in our waterways, especially when they are used for major sporting events. The health and safety of athletes must always come first, and the events in the Seine serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental neglect. Let’s hope that lessons are learned and that future competitions can take place in safer, cleaner conditions.